Meiling pushed open the heavy wooden door to Judith's room. The hinges creaked softly. As soon as she stepped inside, the air felt thick with memory. Flashes hit her like bullets.
The school hallway. Screams echoing off the walls. Gunfire cracking through the chaos. Traitors in black masks moving fast. And Ren. He was right there with her. His hand had found hers in the panic. "Stay behind me," he had said.
His voice steady even though his eyes were wide with fear. He had pulled her behind a row of lockers. She remembered the warmth of his palm against hers. The way he refused to let go. Those moments crashed over her now. Her knees felt weak. She gripped the doorframe to steady herself.
Judith sat in a tall chair by the far window. Ceiling lights flickered across her sharp features. She looked up and smiled like they were old friends meeting for tea.
"Welcome back, Meiling," Judith said. Her tone was warm but carried an edge.
