I stayed in the library until the very last second before closing. My phone had been buzzing in my pocket for hours, but I refused to look at it. I knew what was waiting for me. Missed calls from Silas. Texts from Killian.
I just wanted to be a student again. I had a huge midterm in Constitutional Law coming up, and my brain was already leaking information. I needed peace. I needed to not be "property" or a "little bird" or a "captivating guest" for just one night.
But as I stepped out of the library doors, the sky decided to join in on my misery.
The clouds were black, and it was raining cats and dogs out here. Within seconds, my thin sweater was soaked through, clinging to my skin. I pulled my bag over my head, trying to protect my textbooks, and started the long walk toward my dorm.
