Evaline:
The moment I stepped out of the suffocating walls of the Council headquarters, the cool evening air hit me like a balm. Still, it wasn't enough to chase away the fire that River's words had left burning beneath my skin.
The parking lot was quiet, bathed in the fading light of dusk, and I was relieved - actually grateful - to see the familiar black car parked near the edge. Mr. Wood was standing by the open back door, giving me a slight nod.
I gave a tight nod back and silently slipped into the backseat.
The second the door closed behind me, sealing me away from the world, everything inside me crumbled.
I pressed my forehead against the cool glass window and tried to hold it in, but it was almost impossible to do. My throat gave a sharp, painful tug. My eyes were burning, my chest was heaving, and before I could stop myself, tears started pouring down my cheeks. Hot and heavy. Silent but relentless.
