Eleven
“What did he—” Troy stands as I brush past him. “Nicole?”
My vision narrows to a small, foggy circle. I turn and head down the hall, heading . . . I don’t know where. Just out of here. Out of this building, out of this place that turned my world completely on its end.
As if finding out I’m adopted wasn’t bad enough.
“Nicole!” Troy shouts, jogging to catch up with me. “Hey.”
He dashes in front of me, spins around, and grabs my upper arms.
Whatever he sees on my face stuns him silent.
“What?” he asks. “What did Headmaster Petrolas tell you?”
I open my mouth, intent on telling him—intent on saying the words—but nothing comes out. My breath is gone; my brain is gone.
Without another word, Troy releases his grip on my arms and surrounds me in a big, tight hug. He pulls me close
