The winter sun struggled to rise, casting a muted glow over the Wellington Military Academy. Scarlett opened her eyes slowly, the events of the previous morning flooding her mind like a tidal wave. Her body ached, her shoulder burned where the bully had bitten her, and a deep sense of vulnerability lingered.
She turned her head and saw Ethan sitting on a chair near the door, arms crossed over his chest, his jaw clenched as if in a perpetual state of tension. He hadn’t left her side all night, just as he promised. The sight filled her with gratitude, but it also brought a pang of guilt.
“Ethan,” she whispered, her voice hoarse.
He looked up immediately, his sharp eyes softening when they met hers. “How do you feel?”
“Better,” she lied, her voice barely audible.
Ethan stood and walked o
