I opened my mouth, ready to tell Annalise what I needed from her—
—but the door to the infirmary creaked open before I could say another word.
Black hair, perfectly brushed yet untamed in its flow, swayed as she stepped in. The faint shimmer of gold on her black uniform caught the sterile white light. That same black blindfold covered her eyes, yet somehow, I knew she was staring straight at me.
Belle Ardent.
I sighed, the corners of my lips twitching up in mild exasperation. "…Meet me later," I muttered to Annalise, keeping my tone low.
She gave a small nod, instantly understanding, and slipped out past Belle with a polite bow.
The door clicked shut, leaving just the two of us in the quiet room.
I turned to Belle and let a big, warm smile spread across my face, the kind that said I'm fine, see? You can stop worrying now.
"Hey, Bel—"
I didn't even finish the sentence before something slammed into my chest like a thunderbolt.
