As Nevaeh stepped through the door, she quickly realized the house in Lankai Valley was almost empty.
Aside from a couple of beds and a plain sofa, there was nothing else inside, no warmth, no decorations, no signs of life.
But still, Nevaeh felt relieved.
At least she had a place to sleep tonight. At least she didn't have to worry about wandering in the dark with nowhere to go.
After washing up, she curled into bed, exhaustion pulling her under.
By the time she opened her eyes again, the sun was already blazing outside the window.
She hurried through her morning routine and caught the subway to the academy.
But the second she walked in, she felt dozens of eyes on her. Unfamiliar faces stared openly, their gazes sharp, judgmental, whispers spreading like wildfire.
"Doesn't she look like that girl? The one who thinks just because she's pretty, she can seduce anyone?"
