a's

g grounds. I'm headed back to my dorm, my mind heavy with everything that's happen

the world isn't

the corner and nearly walk right into them.

e born for the spotlight. Perfect hair, perfect skin, perfect sneers. They

retending I took the wrong turn. But I know b

ays, her voice dripping with fa

's no point. I try to step around them, but they move as one, cutting me off. The air f

rs, tilting her head like she's trying to

y talking about? My throat tightens. I can feel my heart be

ell them they're mistaken, bu

closer. Her perfume is sharp, floral, and cloying. "You're serio

f their words sinking in fast. The flo

aking me for

steady. "I-I think you've got the wrong person." My gaze shift

If anything, they look more convince

rings down the hall, making my skin prickle. "Oh, th

The words hit harde

is go

u think I am," I say again, but doubt creeps into my voice.

on their lips, like they're sharing

nde says, voice low, dangerous.

e, their laughter trailing behi

elf to move, back pressed against the wall until I slide down to sit on the cold floor. M

ust ha

ilege, being the girl people usually smiled at, the one adults cal

was

pers. The cold shoul

use they're jealo

else. Someone who left. Someone who hurt

ngers clenching my skirt so

mom, after being betrayed by my mate, well whom I thought was my mate, after being for

ls more li

re for Atlas. I don't care about mates anymore. That bond? That stupid magical b

igure out who I am without all the grief and betraya

sees me. They see wh

on't even know who that

own the hallway, half-expecting someone else

determined. I have to keep going. I have to

replay in my head, ea

at cold, sharp warning

n't come here for anyone. But i

o, no matter how much I tr

ady decided