Violet
“I said I’m fine.”
My voice came out sharper than I intended, echoing faintly in the corridor. Nate didn’t seem to notice or pretended not to.
He stayed crouched in front of me, one hand hovering like he was afraid I’d shatter if he touched me wrong, his expression soft in a way that felt rehearsed. Concern sat on his face too easily, like a mask he’d worn often enough that it slipped on without effort.
“You fainted,” he said gently. “Or almost did. Let me help you up.”
“I didn’t faint.” My head still throbbed, a dull ache pulsing behind my eyes, but I pushed myself upright anyway, using the wall for support.
The moment I stood, the world tilted slightly, and Nate was immediately there, his hand closing around my elbow.
I flinched.
“Don’t,” I snapped, wrenching my arm free.
