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I stare at the message, my thumb hovering over the send button. But instead of using it, I switch off my phone and cover my eyes. Why is this so hard?

Chapter 16

Lilian

No nightmares. No monsters scratching at the back of my mind. No Voices. No blood.

I lay in bed, still enveloped in the peaceful haze of a restful night’s sleep.

It’s just silence.

I reach for my phone on the bedside table, the girly grin returning.

Sebastian: Good morning, princess.

Lil: Good morning.

Sebastian: Cutting it pretty close this morning, aren’t you?

Sebastian: Did you intentionally skip your first class?

I glance at the time, and my eyes widen in panic. 9:32 am.

Lil: Running late. Missed my alarm.

Sebastian: You better not miss my game tonight.

Lil: I won’t.

How did I let that happen? In a mad scramble, I throw off the covers and dash to my closet, selecting a skirt and blouse. I slip them on quickly, not bothering to straighten out every crease. A tinge of excitement flutters in my chest as I apply lip gloss. Would he like it?

Every day after his training, he shows up in the library like clockwork, a charming grin on his face and a bag of takeout in hand. Last night, he brought spaghetti. It was delicious.

It’s become our little ritual.

Mrs. Hofstatt, who once scolded us for eating, now turns a blind eye. Maybe she’s taken pity on me. Or maybe Sebastian’s charm has worked its magic on her, too. It wouldn’t surprise me.

Each night, he walks me back to my room, his hand firmly clasped in mine. The goodnight kisses are my favorite part. They start off gentle, almost chaste, but quickly evolve into something more passionate, more desperate. But it never goes beyond that.

I find myself craving his touch, his presence, more and more each day.

With one final glance in the mirror, I snatch my bag and race out the door. Hopefully, the professor won’t notice. Please.

Ju sits at our kitchen table, chatting animatedly on the phone and waving as I rush by.

Another message pops up on my phone. The group chat with Gemma and Mary.

Gemma: Everything fine? Where are you guys? Class started thirty minutes ago. Overslept?

Lil: Running late. Be there soon.

Since Gemma found me in the closet, we have become closer. I met with her and Mary at the cafe and even found out that we have some classes together.

I arrive at the lecture hall breathlessly, scanning the room for Gemma. The professor is already deep into his monologue about… something. When I spot her, she waves me over to the empty seat beside her.

“Thanks.” I sit down.

“Don’t worry about it. Mary is still missing.” She pushes her notes toward me. “Didn’t get much sleep yesterday?”

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