Penelope pov
He leaves, I slam the door behind him and lock it. The deadbolt slides home with a click that echoes too loud. Then I slide down to the floor, my back against the wood, and finally let myself shake.
The tremors start in my hands and spread through my whole body. My teeth chatter. My breath comes in short, sharp gasps.
Lyra is snarling in my mind. Angry and protective and still ready to fight. "He's dangerous."
"I know." I hug my knees to my chest, making myself small. "But it's over now."
My phone buzzes in my pocket. The vibration makes me jump so hard I bite my tongue. A text from an unknown number: "That was brave."
My blood goes cold. The same number that sent me the photo. The same person who's been watching me.
I type back with shaking hands, my fingers slipping
