Chapter 18 – Vermont’s POV

The moment I stepped out into the corridor, the mask dropped.

I didn’t slow down, or even acknowledge the guards who straightened as I passed. My steps were heavy and purposeful. I needed walls.

Somewhere no one would hear me lose it.

By the time I reached the chamber, my hands were already shaking.

I shoved the door open harder than necessary and slammed it shut behind me, the sound cracking through the room before everything fell into a heavy, suffocating ...