Adeline's POV

I didn't rush.

That's what he wanted — me scrambling through hallways, already defeated before I stepped through his door. So I took my time instead.

The shower ran hot enough to sting. Steam clouded the mirror until I couldn't see my own face, and maybe that was better. Maybe I didn't want to see the fear trying to claw its way to the surface.

But hiding wasn't an option.

I twisted my hair into a sleek bun, pulled it tight enough to ache. The pain sharpened my focus. Makeup ...