The school bell rang, sharp at seven as Axel lingered outside Ivy’s classroom, his hand resting lightly on her lower back. She clutched her books to her chest, her knuckles whitening.
“You will be fine,” he murmured, though his jaw was tight. “I will be right across the hall in advanced lit.”
Ivy bit her lip, glancing into the classroom where students were already filing in. “I know, it’s just…”
“Just what?”
She hesitated, then shook her head. “Nothing. Go. I will see you at lunch.”
Axel studied her for a moment longer before nodding. “Scream if you need me.”
Ivy rolled her eyes, but the ghost of a smile tugged at her lips as she turned and stepped into the room…only to freeze as a familiar, honeyed voice called out.
“Ivy! Over here!”
Beatrice waved from a desk near the
