The quad looks the same.
That's the stupid thing that surprises me. I've been inside Pack territory for four bloody days, and some part of me thought the world would've changed while I was away. But no, the fountain's still broken.
The philosophy building still has that ugly crack along the east wall. The coffee cart outside the library still has that rude sign taped to its side: 'Out of oat milk. Sorry, not sorry.'
Everything's frozen in place. Except me. I'm not.
I tighten my grip on the thesis folder and keep walking.
Kieran stays close enough that his arm brushes mine every few steps.
He doesn't touch me – hasn't since we got out of the car – but that nearness? It's speaking in a language only I understand.
Maddox is on my left, solid as a rock. Ryker's trailing behind, already
