MinaI fixed my hair, straightened my clothes, and put on my brightest smile. No one could see. No one could know how Jace treated me.

“You’re back,” Celeste said when she saw me.

“Yes.” I picked up my bag, keeping my voice normal. “I’m going to the restroom.”

I rushed to the bathroom. I looked in the mirror. There they were—dark bruises already forming on my neck, like ugly purple flowers.

I reached for my bag to get my makeup when Joy and the others walked in.

“Mina, what ...