“K?” Lyra’s manicured hand curled over my shoulder, trying to turn me toward her. “Are you listening to me? We could work together like before – “
I spun, glare sharp enough to cut.
Lyra jerked back like I’d hit her.
“I’ll take Harrin,” I said to Radley.
Relief washed over his face. “Fine. She’s new. So go easy.”
“Yes, sir.”
I stepped toward her.
Her whole body locked—like a trap snapping shut around her.
Good.
She remembered what happened the last time we were alone.
But she didn’t run.
And that was somehow worse.
“I can’t do this,” she muttered.
“Seph—”
“Coach Radley!”
Dr. Marr’s voice cracked across the quad like ice water.
I turned and scowled as he approached, walking fast, lab coat slicing the air behind him.
“Might I have a word about Miss Harrin?” Marr asked, too smooth, too polite.
Seph went white. Wide-eyed. Terrified.
I stepped closer before she could even breathe wrong.
Ash was right.
I could smell her now—vanilla, cinnamon, winter.
Her shoulders tightened the second she felt me behind her.
She closed her eyes like she was bracing for impact.
“Seph… are you OK?”
She laughed. Not real laughter—something cracked and sharp.
“Am I OK? Sure. I’m… super. How about you?”
“Seph, please.”
“What do you want, Kieran?” she whispered.
“K,” I corrected automatically.
