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CHAPTER 53
~Valerie's POV~
By the time I made it back to the dorm, my legs were tired, and my head felt like it was carrying a thousand unspoken arguments.
The corridor was quiet, the evening sun painting golden stripes across the tiled floor through the long windows.
I opened the door, praying for a little peace, just for an hour, maybe less, but as soon as I stepped in, the soft clink of a glass greeted me.
Astraea.
She was seated at the kitchen counter, her back straight, one hand curled tightly around a mug that wasn't steaming anymore. Her eyes were fixed on the window, and she hadn't noticed me at first… until I shut the door gently behind me.
Her head snapped toward me.
I blinked. "Hey," I said, offering a tired smile and a small wave.
She stiffened just slightly, which was not enough for anyone else to notice, but I noticed.
