Lyra's POV
The locker door crumpled under my fist like aluminum foil. The metallic screech echoed through the empty changing room as I yanked at the warped metal, trying to free my winter coat. Another punch sent a sharp ache through my knuckles, but I didn't care. The pain felt good compared to everything else burning inside me.
Finally, I wrenched my long black coat free and threw it over my shoulders. The weight of it settled around me like armor as I stormed out of the locker room.
The moment I stepped into the central courtyard of Alpha Academy, tiny white crystals began dancing across my vision. Snow. My first real snowfall since arriving at this place that had been equal parts heaven and hell for months now.
I tilted my face toward the dark canvas of night sky and let the flakes land on my heated skin. Each one hissed and melted instantly against my flushed cheeks, leaving cool trails down to my jaw. The contrast made me shiver.
