“As I already said, it’s time for you to sleep.” Marcus’s voice cut through, and a rush of cold washed over Sidia. She blinked and Marcus was no longer in front of her.

He had just moved to the front of the library, holding the door open for her. Sidia fought back the tears. He clearly rejected her, and she couldn’t look him in the eye. She rushed past him and walked quickly back to her room, not bothering to see how closely he followed her. Once she reached her door, ...