(Rhea’s POV)

The late afternoon air clinging to the corridor walls felt damp and heavy, as if the building itself was swallowing the breath of anyone who entered. Our footsteps echoed out of sync—Callum with his quick pace that always stayed a little ahead, Kaelan with his calm, measured steps that made me want to hide behind his back, and Anselma who moved almost soundlessly, like a shadow slipping along the edge of the world.

Me? I dragged my feet, my bag feeling heavier with each step. ...