Lorraine's POV
Astrid turned to us, her expression unreadable, the usual sharpness in her eyes returning like the snap of a blade back into its sheath.
"Go for your various classes now," she said crisply. "You'll receive your dorm keys later."
No room for argument. No warmth. No hint of sympathy that we had just sacrificed everything we had to secure a roof over our heads. But I didn't expect any. This was Astrid Voss.
Felix and I exchanged a look. Neither of us said a word. We just turned and began to walk out of the auditorium together.
The door shut behind us with a heavy echo, and I exhaled slowly, as if I'd been holding my breath since the moment Astrid called my name during the assembly.
My legs moved on instinct, carrying me down the long hallway toward the lecture halls, but my mind stayed behind.
A bounty on my head.
A hunt every night.
No safety, not even in sleep.
And now training with Astrid Voss, of all people.
