The man lunged.
Adrian didn’t think. Didn’t breathe. Didn’t hesitate.
He yanked Ariana behind him so fast she nearly stumbled, his arm locking around her protectively as the attacker’s fist collided with his shoulder. The impact was so violent it sent a shockwave through Adrian’s body, but he didn’t fall.
He couldn’t.
Ariana was behind him.
“Adrian!” she cried, reaching toward him.
“Stay back!” he snapped, voice raw.
The hallway exploded again—fists, pain, chaos. Adrian grabbed the man by the collar and slammed him against the lockers so hard the metal dented inward. The attacker grunted, swinging wildly, but Adrian blocked every hit except one that clipped his jaw.
Blood dripped from the corner of Adrian’s mouth.
He wiped it with the back of his hand, eyes burning.
“You shouldn’
