Chapter 108: Her Melting Heart
Evaline:
Despite everything that had happened throughout Saturday, despite the burning humiliation and the echo of cruel laughter, I woke up on Sunday morning feeling... different.
There was still an ache in my chest, the memory of shower incident was still lingering like a bruise under my skin. But it didn’t sting as much anymore.
Because last night, someone had made me feel like I mattered.
Draven left just before midnight, sneaking out with his usual stealth, leaving a half-empty food container beside my bed and a soft warmth still wrapped around my heart. He didn’t say goodbye... he didn’t need to. His scent was still lingering on my pillow, and I knew he would be back.
He always came back.
With a small, tired smile, I pulled on my clothes and tied my hair back in a loose braid before leaving my dorm. I could have taken the day off. Honestly, I probably should have. But after everything, I needed something to do, somewhere to be.
To my surprise, River didn’t show up. There was not even a whisper of his arrogant presence, not a sideways glare or clipped command.
The office was blissfully silent.
I managed to complete all the documents assigned to me without interruption, filing reports, updating the database, and organizing the scrolls in the backroom. It felt good to work with a clear head for once, to not have to watch over my shoulder.
By late afternoon, I packed up and left the building as the sun started dipping toward the horizon. Instead of heading to the dorms, I made my way to the Academy library.