Sloane's POV
The first day back at Black Shadow University feels strangely... normal. Students hurry between buildings with coffees in hand, conversations filling every walkway while backpacks bounce against shoulders.
Midterms are creeping closer, the hockey team's victory last week is still the hottest topic on campus, and life continues as though mine hasn't completely fallen apart.
Funny how the world works. It keeps spinning even when yours stops.
Zia stretches sleepily beneath my skin. 'Breathe.'
"I'm breathing." I adjust the strap of my bag.
"Talking to yourself already?"
A deep voice reaches me from behind, and Zia instantly conceals herself.
Turning, I find Xavier crossing the courtyard toward me, one hand tucked into the pocket of his jeans while the other cradles two cof
