Chapter 45

• My breath came in ragged gasps. My legs burned from the adrenaline, and every footstep seemed to echo louder in the empty hallway. I had to get out, away from that suffocating room, away from the professor’s words still lingering in my ears.
• My fingers tingled as I pressed them against my lips, trying to wipe away the phantom touch of his stale breath when he leaned too close. The corridor lights flickered overhead, painting white stripes across the walls as I ran. Every flicker felt like a spotlight on my shame. On my fear.
• I turned the corner too quickly, my shoes skidding on the polished floor. And then—Bang!