I couldn’t take it anymore, everything felt far away as I sat on the low bench under a jacaranda tree near the science wing, hugging my knees. My head ached from being under the sun for too long. 

With a heavy sigh, I pulled out my phone and dialed the only person I knew would come without asking questions I wasn’t ready to answer. 

Adrian picked up on the second ring. 

“Yes, princess?” His voice alone made my stomach turn—his low, smooth, deep voice. 

“Hey, Adrian,” I ...