**Lyra POV**
That thought has an ache forming in my chest as I think about leaving Dominic.
I start to walk again, knowing I can’t lead him back to Elowen and our apartment. I turn at the end of the block, sprinting down the street and practically throwing myself into the bushes there. I hardly feel the branches scraping my skin and tearing at my hair. All that matters is making myself as small as possible as I cower in the bushes.
It’s busier on this block and I watch as he frowns, walking past me and turning down at the next block. I hold my breath until he’s out of sight and then let out a sigh.
Every muscle in my body is tense and shaking as I gasp for breath. My hand goes over my heart, trying to calm down the erratic, almost painful beats.
Maybe I should text Elowen and tell her
