_Leah’s POV_

Fred rushed after Kayden, leaving me alone in the dining hall with Ray, the Gamma. The room suddenly felt cold despite the warm tea in my cup and the golden sunlight slipping through the windows. My heart was pounding, loud and wild. Tariq was here. He had come for me.

Ray gave me a glance but didn’t speak. I sat frozen. Every second felt like an hour.

Athena whispered, "Stay calm, Leah. Breathe. You have the gun. You are not powerless."

My hand drifted to the scarf under my shirt. I could feel the hard metal tucked at my back. It was the only thing keeping me from...