Alethea (Zoe)

I can feel the heat creeping up my neck, and I know he’s watching me. I want to glance back, but I force myself to keep moving. My hand grips the doorknob tightly, and I twist it open, stepping out into the hallway.

Just as the door closes behind me. The sound of glass smashing against the wall reverberates through the silence.

I freeze mid-step, my heart pounding in my chest. My breath catches as unease washes over me. For a moment, I can’t move. Is he angry? Did I provoke him?

I take a sharp breath to steady myself and force my legs to move, walking briskly...