Scarlett slowed her pace as she approached Crestwood Academy's iron gates. Her stomach churned at the sight of students clustering in their usual morning groups. Every laugh, every glance in her direction felt loaded with potential danger.
She kept her head down as she moved through the crowds to her locker. She checked her class schedule while picking the appropriate books for the class and turned around-only to bump into someone.
The bump sent Scarlett's books tumbling to the floor. "I'm so sorry," she mumbled automatically, dropping to her knees to gather them. It wasn't until she looked up that she realized who she'd collided with.
Claire Bennett stood there, looking nothing like her usual polished self. Dark circles shadowed her eyes, partially hidden beneath hastily applied concea
