Page 101 of Shattered & Returned

“My apologies,” Sebastian said. To my shock, he actually sounded sorry. His hands settled properly on the wheel. “Speed’s dropping. You’re safe.”

I swallowed the lump in my throat. “I’m fine,” I managed, pocketing the inhaler as the first houses appeared on the outskirts of the town, normalcy within reach at last.

A realization struck me like lightning.

Shit,I was out. Actually out of the academy. The town loomed ahead—my chance to run, to disappear forever.

But Nero?—

My chest tightened. Three days without a word. Had I meant nothing? He’d probably forgotten about me. I tasted bile and ash on my tongue.

Even if Nero had legitimate reasons for leaving, he was still part of this twisted academy where students died and no one cared. Where Angelina’s murder was already fading from memory like she’d never existed. No investigations. No justice. Just another redhead gone.

And I was the only one who still cared. But if I stayed, how long until I became like them? Cold. Ruthless. Another psychowar machine rolling off Forsaken Academy’s assembly line. Where did they even send graduates? What kind of employment required this level of cruelty?

The deeper I looked, the more the academy’s façade crumbled, revealing nothing but darkness and lies beneath.

A plan formed in my mind with icy clarity.

Step one, I’d sneak away when everyone was enjoying themselves or even getting drunk during the festival chaos.

Step two, I’d find a payphone, maybe at the post office, library, some diner with sticky floors and no questions asked.

Step three, call the FBI!

It could work. It had to work.

Yet the thought of walking away from Nero sent a fresh stab through my ribs. His absence shouldn’t still hurt this much.

We steppedinto the festival’s pulsing heart. Music enveloped us, fiddles, drums, and flutes weaving a tapestry of joy.

The Harvest Moon Festival had turned the town square into an autumn wonderland. Strings of orange and gold banners stretched between buildings and massive, intricately carved pumpkins glowed warmly in the morning light. Vendors lined the cobblestone streets, their stalls brimming with seasonal delights: caramel apples, spiced pumpkin pastries, steaming cups of cider.

At the center of the square stood a large tent, its canvas walls painted with scenes of bounty and harvest. Inside, couples spun to the music, their laughter floating on the crisp air. Street performers juggled fire while fortune tellers bent over velvet-draped tables, tracing lines on palms and laying out tarot cards.

“We aresogoing to enjoy this!” Sindy seized my arms, her excitement contagious.

Sebastian grinned. “Have fun, ladies. You’ve earned it. I’ve got some errands to run. I’ll catch up with you later.”

With that, he strode away, effortless and poised, the crowd shifting around him as if by instinct. Eyes slid past him, unseeing, as though some unseen force discouraged their gaze.

In moments, he was gone. I couldn’t help but wonder what business he had here and just who in this town might know him.

Children darted past, chasing enchanted lanterns that bobbed just beyond their fingertips. The rich scents of roasting chestnuts and mulled wine should have been comforting, but my stomach churned as I dragged Sindy behind a scarf stall.

“Get ready to run,” I whispered urgently.

She shook her head. “Forsaken isn’t perfect, but it’s my home. It’s the only place I don’t have to hide what I am.”

“But you said?—”

“I complained, same as anyone.” She squared her shoulders. “But when it comes down to it? That school’s where I belong.”

“They’ll slaughter us in that trial.”

“It’s our chance to prove we’re not weak.” Her fingers dug into my wrist. “We’ve got Sebastian’s attention,theSebastian! Everyone saw us with him. It’s a privilege. And he’s offering us private training. Two weeks is enough. We can do this!”

“Since when do men keep promises?” I snorted, my mind flickering to Nero for a second. “We shouldn’t trust Sebastian so easily.”

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