Cole’s POV

I heard the frantic, rhythmic pounding of an aluminum crutch against the heavy steel door before I even reached the end of the corridor.

I didn't think. I sprinted down the dark hallway, grabbed the iron deadbolt handle on the locker room door, and yanked it back with my uninjured right arm. The latch popped with a rusted screech, and the heavy door swung wide open.

Aria stumbled out into the dim hallway light, her crutches clattering against the rubber matting, her face ghost-white, her chest heaving as she gasped for cold air.

“Aria!” I caught her by the waist before her good foot slipped on the slick...