Naomi was passing by when she caught sight of Ash. Her eyes widened with surprise and joy as she called out, "Ash!"
Both Adrian and Ash turned at the sound. Still dazed and full of unspoken questions, Ash stepped toward her. Naomi ran the rest of the way and hugged him tightly, tears welling in her eyes. "I thought you'd left me," she said, her voice trembling.
Ash smiled faintly and hugged her back. Together they started walking toward the classroom, though Ash kept glancing over his shoulder. Adrian was still standing where he'd been, his gaze fixed on Ash.
Naomi sighed softly. "I thought today again I'd be alone," she murmured, then stopped midway, studying Ash's face. "I have so many unanswered questions."
Ash didn't respond, but his slight nod told her he understood exactly what she meant-how he and Lucien had made it out of that fire without anyone seeing them emerge.
