The classroom door clicked shut behind the last of Jace's cronies, leaving only the sound of Cassian's uneven breathing and the distant hum of the campus outside.
Leonel was still standing like a statue near the chalkboard, fists unclenched but shoulders tight, like he was waiting for another threat to appear. Aiden had turned to Cassian, hands hovering near his arms like he wasn't sure if he was allowed to touch.
Cassian rubbed his wrist where Jace had grabbed him. His knuckles were scraped from the punch, his throat raw from shouting but he was okay. More than okay. He'd fought back. And they'd come for him. Both of them.
Aiden finally let out a breath he'd been holding. "You really punched him good tho?"
Cassian managed a weak smile. "He had it coming."
Leonel finally moved, stepping closer. His eyes scanned Cassian's face, his neck, his hands checking for damage. "You sure you're alright?"
