The hallway was quiet. Too quiet.
The kind of quiet that makes your footsteps sound like gunshots and your heartbeat feel like a war drum. I ducked into the nearest empty classroom, the door clicking shut behind me like a judgment.
My legs gave out before I made it to the second row of desks. I slumped into a chair, elbows hitting the desk, forehead falling into my hands.
His words replayed again. Like a curse I couldn't shake.
"At least animals don't stink of desperation and cheap perfume."
My throat burned. I blinked up at the ceiling like that could stop the tears gathering in the corners of my eyes. No way in hell was I going to cry. Not over him. Not over this.
My hand shook slightly as I pulled out my phone. Freya had probably gone full feral by now since I left her without even thinking. I hadn't even looked back when I stormed out of the library.
[To Freya]
In an empty class near East Hall. Needed space. Don't tell anyone. I'm fine.
