Bethany
I see her first.
Reza bursts out of the supply room like she’s been set on fire, hair messy, cheeks flushed, lips swollen and unmistakably bruised. Her eyes are bright, unfocused, her breath uneven like she’s just run too far, too fast.
Or like she’s been kissed within an inch of her senses.
I still.
The hallway hums with normal pack noise, footsteps, voices, the low rhythm of routine, but Reza fractures it. She doesn’t look left or right. She doesn’t look ashamed.
She looks undone.
My jaw tightens while I watch her.
She disappears around the corner, moving too quickly, shoulders hunched like she’s bracing for impact. I don’t follow. I don’t need to.
Because seconds later, the supply room door opens again.
And Aaron steps out.
The sight of him hits harder than I expe
