I stormed out of the room, my pulse racing, my breath coming in quick, shallow gasps. I needed to get away, needed space to think, to breathe. But I didn't get far before I heard her footsteps behind me. Fast, urgent. She was coming after me.
"Aeliana, wait!" Ciara called, her voice echoing in the hallway. I ignored her, my steps quickening. I didn't want to talk. I didn't want to hear whatever excuse she had. Not now. Not after everything.
But Ciara wasn't giving up. I could hear her getting closer, feel her presence like a weight pressing down on me. "Aeliana, please!" she pleaded, almost breathless from chasing me. I kept my gaze fixed ahead, refusing to turn around, refusing to acknowledge the crack in my armor, the part of me that still wanted to hear her out.
