long, golden shadows across the grounds. A soft breeze rustled the trees lining the path, but he barely noticed. His hands

th heavy. The image of Almora in pain, the sound of her screams, it all kept replaying in hi

ng after Brittany," a calm bu

slightly, his

rms as she stood a few steps behind him. "The moment she used her powers with malicious

aura, which had begun to thrum visibly around his shoulders, started to fade. H

dgment before turning and walking away, her f

an to settle, a new p

s she walked up beside him, immedi

idn't ev

arsed way. "Where were you?" she asked with an exaggerated pout. "You di

cian said

e her to the infirmary? Couldn't someone else have done that

is eyes for a

, he'd h

way. He turned around slowly, his eyes cold and steady. "I'm not yours," h

pen. She blinked, comp

u. At first, I thought what we had was something real...

ace p

moment, I began to pull away, but you didn't even notice. You were too busy with your games to care. I let

d and wa

trembled, but no sound came out. Her mind spun in cir

r were sitting on a stone

kes that Red girl?" Bri

a smirk. "Didn't you see how he ran to her like hi

ind his head. "I guess he really does need someone new after

doesn't fawn over people. And she definitely doesn't need r

chief. "By the way, that friend of Almora..

't start again, Brian. We al

st watch me, Olive

m was quiet, with soft light filtering in through the high w

confusion filled her face. She glanced around, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings, the pale blue w

p but was quickly stop

walked over. "You're in the infirmary due to an injury from yesterd

slightly. "Who

swer but was interrupted by the

up of voices cal

"Please no shouting in the infirmary,

and the rest of her volleyball teammates ru

lmora asked, propping herself up

tacy said with a mock scolding tone

lmora tilted he

Amy announced, raising

ora's eyes sparkled. "Oh

'Scarlett'... in honor of the one who made us be

y. She didn't know what to say.

" she murmured, eyes beginning

r throat. "Don't you guys have class? You

g at the clock. "Okay, we'l

efore filing out, one by one, each g

on the pillow and stared at the ceiling,

ou do realize you've now got a reputation for

und Lucian lounging casually in the chair

id you get here? And what

w you thank someone who literally c

ught me here? You were the one

light nod. "Gui

as her side ached. "Well, I didn't ask for

r his breath. "You'

Don't you have a girlfriend to

er mouth, she internally fa

question. And the answer is no. I

me this?" Almora mu

leaning slightly forw

w open wide.

and gently wrapped an arm around

're doing? Take your h

he said softly, ig

ha

me. Jus

r pause. Confused but compelle

mforting, like a soft breeze on a summer evening. The moment the ene

hut for a second, stunned

s hand and leaned

few times. "Wh

g I picked up," he

ent, unsure whether to be anno

nking deeper into the pi

d. "You're wel

riving at Greenland College, Al