The classroom door clicked shut behind me and I finally let myself breathe easy for the first time since the woods.
I thought Blackthorn Academy in daylight would be the safest place after everything. After the divided house, the feral cave moment with Jax, and my mother's shadow hanging over ten million stolen dollars. Just normal classes. Normal walls. Normal escape from the chaos.
But when I walked into the main office during free period to grab a late slip, the usual principal was gone. A tall stranger sat behind the desk instead, sharp suit, colder eyes, smile too perfect.
"Miss Avery," he said smoothly, standing up. "Come in. Close the door. We need to talk about your attendance."
I hesitated but stepped inside. "Where's Principal Hale? And I'm not that late. Just one class."
