Charis
I slipped into the backseat of the sleek black car waiting near the far edge of the academy's parking lot, grateful for the tinted windows that shielded me from curious eyes. The moment the door closed, Isolde immediately opened her arms with a warm smile.
"Come here, darling," she said softly. "You look like you need a hug."
I leaned into her embrace, breathing in the familiar scent of her expensive perfume mixed with something that always reminded me of safety. After the emotional intensity of the past few days, being held by the woman who'd saved my life felt like coming home.
"How are you holding up?" Isolde asked as we separated, her hands still resting gently on my shoulders. "I know this transition back to academy life can't be easy."
"It's strange," I admitted, settling back against the leather seat. "Especially with all the boys suddenly flocking around me. And the enemies I seem to be gathering among the girls is... alarming."
