Chapter 195: Back In The Tunnels
Evaline:
By the time River’s car came to a stop outside the Academy gates, it was nearing five-thirty in the evening.
I was barely out the door when I realized just how many people had decided to be right there at that exact moment.
It felt like the entire Academy had suddenly remembered they had somewhere to be near the gates. There were nearly two dozen students, maybe more - chatting, walking, laughing - and they all froze when they caught sight of the sleek black car with its matte finish and familiar emblem.
Then, their gazes slid toward the backseat. When the door opened and I stepped out, a hush fell over them like someone had just hit mute.
And then, they saw him.
River Thorne.
He was still seated inside the car, half-shadowed by the tinted windows, yet the distinct edge of his jaw and cool indifference was unmistakable. He didn’t even glance at the crowd. Just casually scrolled through something on his phone like a King dropping off a servant who mattered more than she should.
I didn’t wait for him to say anything. I nodded politely, shut the door behind me, and turned away from the crowd, walking as if the weight of all their burning gazes wasn’t pressing into my spine.
Some of them looked shocked.
Others looked... jealous.
And a few? Downright hostile.