“That’s because I usually am,” Tex mutters. “Saves time correcting everyone else.”
“That’s his version of a compliment,” Noah stage whispers.
“You two talk a lot.” I glance back and forth between them.
“Sometimes,” Noah’s tone shifts subtly. “You’re breaking rules no one thought to write down.”
I face him fully. “Sorry to disappoint.”
“You didn’t,” he says — no grin this time, all curiosity. “I just don’t get it. Why keep going? Why not tap out after what we did? After everything?”
Tex shifts then, looking at me. There is no amusement in his eyes, no mocking. Just quiet calculation and beneath that… something like guilt.
I meet both their gazes without flinching.
“Because when you’ve been through hell,” I say, “You’ll do anything to stay out of it.”
That silences them for a long moment.
Even Tex blinks, gaze darkening — not with challenge, but recognition. He understands that one. Too well.
Noah leans back, tapping something half-heartedly on his screen again.
“Alright,” he says, almost like a vow. “Let’s see how far you make it, Ashthorne.”
I duckinto the back courtyard behind the east wing, where the stone benches are warm from the sun, and no one ever seems to go unless they want to sneak a vape or skip class.
I need silence.
I’ve barely sat down when I hear footsteps behind me—light, casual, and very muchon purpose.
“Is there a reason you’re here, or are you just following me for the ambiance?” I ask.
Luca rounds the bench and drops into the seat beside me, sprawling out like he usually does. His shirt is unbuttoned at the collar, tie hanging loose like everything else about him—too relaxed to care, too smug to be challenged.
“Thought you were hiding,” he says.
“I’m not hiding,” I mutter.
“Right. Of course not.” He cracks an easy grin. “You’re just meditating in the shadows like a broody little gargoyle.”
I turn my head to glare at him, and he actually smiles wider.
“See? There she is.”
“Do you annoy everyone this thoroughly, or am I special?”
“You’re absolutely special,” he says, deadpan, then adds with a wink, “But yeah. I’m an equal opportunity menace.”
I don’t want to laugh, but the corner of my mouth twitches before I can stop it. He notices.
“Careful,” he says, mock-serious. “Keep smiling like that and people will start thinking you like it here.”
“People already think too many things.”
Luca smiles a lazy smile and leans back, resting his hands behind his head. “I’m just a fan of awkward silences and bitter girls in stolen hoodies.”
“You must bethrivingthen.”
