AFTER THE STORM
228 Words
The moment the announcement ended, I couldn’t stay.
The walls of the hall felt like they were closing in on me, the whispers still echoing in my ears.
I walked out quickly, my steps unsteady but determined.
“Lira.”
I ignored it.
“Lira, stop.”
His voice was closer now.
Kael.
I turned sharply, my chest rising and falling.
“Why would you do that?” I demanded. “Why tell everyone?”
His expression didn’t change.
“It was necessary.”
“For who?” I snapped. “Because it definitely wasn’t for me!”
“You needed protection.”
“I didn’t ask for this kind of protection!” I shot back.
Silence stretched between us.
“You think hiding it would have been better?” he asked.
“Yes!” I said immediately. “At least I wouldn’t be standing there like a topic for everyone to discuss!”
His jaw tightened slightly.
“They were already talking,” he said. “Now they know the truth.”
I shook my head.
“This changes everything.”
“Yes,” he replied quietly.
I frowned.
“What does that mean?”
He looked at me for a long moment.
“It means no one will dare touch you now.”
But something about his tone…
Made me feel like that wasn’t entirely true.
- Writer
