Chapter 36: Anastasia

The rain from the previous night leaves the asphalt of the main drop-off loop dark and slick, reflecting the red brake lights of the idling vehicles. I shift the sedan into park behind a silver Mercedes SUV, the windshield wipers clearing a thin film of mist from the glass every eight seconds. To my right, Luna sits with her canvas backpack already zipped and resting on her knees. Her fingers are locked around the blue nylon straps, her knuckles white against the dark fabric.

"We have seven minutes before the first bell, my love," I say, keeping my voice level as I check the digital clock on...