POV: LUNA
The infirmary cleared Luna to leave after an hour.
Bruised ribs. Strained shoulder. Minor cuts. Nothing serious. Nothing permanent.
But every step hurt. Every breath reminded her of Darius's fists.
Students stared as she left the medical building. Whispered. Some with respect. Others with fear.
Luna ignored them all.
She needed to get away. From the stares. From the questions. From Nova's worried hovering.
The forest called to her. Quiet. Empty. Safe.
Luna changed clothes in her dorm. Nova was at class. Good. No one to stop her.
She grabbed a water bottle and headed for the tree line. Away from training grounds. Away from the main paths students used.
Deeper. Where faculty patrols rarely went.
Her body protested. Ribs aching. Shoulder throbbing. But Luna pushed through
