STELLA
It starts with a whisper.
I’m standing by my locker, spinning the dial for the third time because my brain refuses to cooperate. The numbers keep slipping. My body’s here, but my head is still somewhere back in the library, replaying yesterday.
Viktor’s breath on my cheek. His hand brushing mine. The look in his eyes before he pulled away like I’d burned him.
And then the way I laughed too loudly at something Nikolai said just to make sure Viktor heard it.
I feel hollow.
I finally get the locker open and start to reach for my books when my phone vibrates in my pocket.
Unknown number.
I hesitate. Then swipe to answer.
“Hello?”
Silence.
I pull the phone away to check the connection. Still on the call. Still nothing.
I’m about to hang up when I hear it — a soft breath, the
