Evaline:
By the ti River’s car ca to a stop outside the Academy gates, it was nearing five-thirty in the evening.
I was barely out the door when I realized just how many people had decided to be right there at that exact mont.
It felt like the entire Academy had suddenly rembered they had sowhere to be near the gates. There were nearly two dozen students, maybe more - chatting, walking, laughing - and they all froze when they caught sight of the sleek black car with its matte finish and familiar emblem.
Then, their gazes slid toward the backseat. When the door opened and I stepped out, a hush fell over them like soone had just hit mute.
And then, they saw him.
River Thorne.
He was still seated inside the car, half-shadowed by the tinted windows, yet the distinct edge of his jaw and cool indifference was unmistakable. He didn’t even glance at the crowd. Just casually scrolled through sothing on his phone like a King dropping off a servant who mattered more than she should.
I didn’t wait for him to say anything. I nodded politely, shut the door behind , and turned away from the crowd, walking as if the weight of all their burning gazes wasn’t pressing into my spine.
So of them looked shocked.
Others looked... jealous.
And a few? Downright hostile.
I caught Celeste standing just inside the gates with her group. It looked like she just returned to the Academy after a day out.
Of course, she had to be here as well!
Her expression was unreadable. Her arms were folded, her eyes on the car, and her lips pressed into a line tight enough to slice paper. When her gaze shifted to , it sharpened.
I held back a sigh.
Great.
Of all things I wanted to avoid, drama was at the top of the list. I didn’t care how many girls at this Academy dread of River Thorne. I had no intention of fighting over him. She could have him. All I wanted was for the world to leave and my mates alone.
Oscar. Draven.
They were all that mattered to . The rest - Celeste, jealous glances, hushed whispers, River Thorne - ant nothing.
I reached my dorm a few minutes later. It was empty, as expected. All my friends were out in town celebrating the first real snowfall of the season. I could have joined them, but I was far too drained.
Instead, I grabbed so clothes from the closet - trousers and a woolen top - and headed to the girls’ common showers.
The water was deliciously warm, washing away the tension from the long day. I stood there for a good ten minutes, letting the steam wrap around like a blanket before finally stepping out and drying off.
Back in the dorm, I went through my evening skincare routine with chanical ease - body moisturizer, face serum, a light moisturizer, lip balm, and hand and foot cream. I slipped into a pair of winter socks and pulled my hair back in a loose, practical hairstyle.
By then, my stomach had begun to grumble, reminding that I hadn’t eaten since lunch. I figured I would grab sothing small from the dining hall, maybe a hot drink or a muffin, before heading to the study hall to study for next week’s history quiz.
But just as I stepped out of the dorm, my phone buzzed in my pocket.
Oscar: et in the garden behind your dorm building in five.
My brows lifted and I reread the ssage.
What is he up to?
Without wasting ti, I took the elevator down and stepped into the garden through the side door. The sky was dimming rapidly, and soft shadows were stretched across the path. The garden at the back of the dormitory had always been quiet. Forgotten, almost.
It was just as deserted as always. Not a soul in sight. Snow was resting lightly on the low hedges and benches, untouched and pure. I scanned the area, pulling my coat tighter around. And then I noticed it... movent.
A slight shift near the stone archway at the far end of the garden, hidden behind tall bushes.
That place...
Recognition dawned in an instant. It was the exact sa place the secret passage to the tunnel was located - the one Kieran used the night before to send back. The passage was practically invisible unless you already knew it existed.
I took a cautious step forward, then another. My eyes scanned the dorm windows above to make sure no curious eyes were peeking out.
And then I saw him.
Oscar.
He erged halfway from the shadows, eting my gaze for a heartbeat before he reached out and grabbed my wrist, tugging gently toward the arch.
"What are you doing?" I whispered curiously.
He didn’t answer. He just pulled into the shadows, his body warm against the chill. My heart skipped a beat as we stepped through the hidden stone opening and into the narrow tunnel.
He led the way through darkness, and I followed, my steps echoing slightly as we passed through the quiet passage.
"Where are we going?" I asked after a mont as I was unable to hold back.
"You’ll see."
His fingers didn’t let go of mine the entire way. After a few turns, corridors, stairs, and narrow halls, we reached a door located in sowhat familiar hallway.
He punched in a passcode and the lock clicked.
The mont the door opened, a wave of warmth enveloped . We stepped inside, and I blinked at the sight before .
If I had to take a guess... then it was his private quarters at the Academy.
It was a small, private apartnt just like Kieran’s. It was simple, masculine, but warm. A crackling fire was lightening up the fireplace across the room, its golden glow bouncing off the soft tan walls. There was a deep gray couch with a blanket tossed over it, a shelf lined with books, and even a kettle whistling softly in the corner.
He closed and locked the door behind us before finally releasing my hand. H3 then walked to the fireplace, and added another log before turning to face .
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