mm

arm sunlight spilled through the spacious windows, coating the cream-colored walls in a golden glow. I sank into

on that might snap, sending me back to creaky beds and cold flo

oom on the top floor of the girls' dormitory. I

only to catch the judgmental stares of

pered in a polished accent. "The one Gen

ing a breakdown alread

look like an unhinged squirrel. I leaned against the door, heart racing. I was a red-head

ibrated through the bui

il, I'll

erfect order: a navy-blue blazer with golden t

bling hands, feeling like I was handling ancient tiss

than my violin. I felt like the only person on earth in a panic. I approached a g

ynchronization, shooting

lacking a mirror?" the

r the Cathedral

the second girl giggled. "Your rib

ul illustration of a literal labyrinth. I walked in circles, glaring at the white

um

behind a stone building with narrow windows. I f

rt. The ringleader, a girl with sharp features and a cruel twist to her l

nce you like scavenging for attentio

Before my brain could calcu

EY

s whipped thei

size?" I snapped, stepping into the li

What will you do, charity case? We know who you are. The gi

my phone, showing the screen. "I'm calling security. I'm re

f the others delivered a parting kick to her stomach. They marched toward me

mocked. "Do you have an

of France," I snapped, batting the branch

er snickered. "Like y

abella recoiled. "I want to see her cry. Let's see

me, a sharp voice sliced

r presence instantly commanding the space. Br

la whispered, her fa

ne Sch

face, her eyes narrowing as if solving a puzzle

gain, Arabella? I thought th

wait! She s

? Go to Student Affairs. N

owing murderous glares at me. My knees fel

interrupted. Her voice was efficient, no

jured g

the medical team," sh

ld you tell me how to get to

You're the violinist. The

ppose

ed. "Stay out of trouble. This isn't an orphanage.

y without a ba

full sprint. "I can't be late on the first day!

hed the cathedral, a stunning architectural masterpiece of white stone, stai

he heavy br

ic

ck

ead against the cold wood. I pulled again, desperate. "No...

trying to

e. It was melodic, filled with a warmth that

ir shimmered like gold under the morning sun. His eyes were bright, a strikin

beautiful person

y throat. I couldn't

t moment in the shadow of the cathed