Zara's POV
The classroom falls into a different gravity the moment Zarek and I cross the threshold. Conversations fold in on themselves, pens halt mid-scratch, and the usual rustle of backpacks becomes a hush that presses against my skin. I feel it first as a pressure behind my eyes, then as a ripple across the room, like walking into water, only the water is hundreds of curious, hungry stares.
Zarek's hand is warm around mine, thumb brushing the outer skin in a slow, possessive arc that says more than either of us needs to. It's deliberate.
Public. Exhibitionist. Perfect.
The fingers interlaced with mine feel like a challenge I can throw at anyone who dares snarl.
"She's going to ditch Talia for him, watch."
"Yeah, I heard she's already clingy."
"Gross. Classic Zara
