CHAPTER 195: BACK IN THE TUNNELS

Evaline:

By the time River’s car came to a stop outside the Academy gates, it was nearing five-thirty in the evening.

I was barely out the door when I realized just how many people had decided to be right there at that exact moment.

It felt like the entire Academy had suddenly remembered they had somewhere to be near the gates. There were nearly two dozen students, maybe more - chatting, walking, laughing - and they all froze when they caught sight of the sleek black car with its matte finish and familiar emblem.

Then, their gazes slid toward the backseat. When the door opened and I stepped out, a hush fell over them like someone had just hit mute.

And then, they saw him.

River Thorne.

He was still seated inside the car, half-shadowed by the tinted windows, yet the distinct edge of his jaw and cool indifference was unmistakable. He didn’t even glance at the crowd. Just casually scrolled through something on his phone like a King dropping off a servant who mattered more than she should.

I didn’t wait for him to say anything. I nodded politely, shut the door behind me, and turned away from the crowd, walking as if the weight of all their burning gazes wasn’t pressing into my spine.

Some of them looked shocked.

Others looked... jealous.

And a few? Downright hostile.

I caught Celeste standing just inside the gates with her group. It looked like she just returned to the Academy after a day out.

Of course, she had to be here as well!

Her expression was unreadable. Her arms were folded, her eyes on the car, and her lips pressed into a line tight enough to slice paper. When her gaze shifted to me, it sharpened.

I held back a sigh.

Great.

Of all things I wanted to avoid, drama was at the top of the list. I didn’t care how many girls at this Academy dreamed of River Thorne. I had no intention of fighting over him. She could have him. All I wanted was for the world to leave me and my mates alone.

Oscar. Draven.

They were all that mattered to me. The rest - Celeste, jealous glances, hushed whispers, River Thorne - meant nothing.

I reached my dorm a few minutes later. It was empty, as expected. All my friends were out in town celebrating the first real snowfall of the season. I could have joined them, but I was far too drained.

Instead, I grabbed some clothes from the closet - trousers and a woolen top - and headed to the girls’ common showers.

The water was deliciously warm, washing away the tension from the long day. I stood there for a good ten minutes, letting the steam wrap around me like a blanket before finally stepping out and drying off.

Back in the dorm, I went through my evening skincare routine with mechanical ease - body moisturizer, face serum, a light moisturizer, lip balm, and hand and foot cream. I slipped into a pair of winter socks and pulled my hair back in a loose, practical hairstyle.

By then, my stomach had begun to grumble, reminding me that I hadn’t eaten since lunch. I figured I would grab something small from the dining hall, maybe a hot drink or a muffin, before heading to the study hall to study for next week’s history quiz.

But just as I stepped out of the dorm, my phone buzzed in my pocket.

Oscar: Meet me in the garden behind your dorm building in five.

My brows lifted and I reread the message.

What is he up to?

Without wasting time, I took the elevator down and stepped into the garden through the side door. The sky was dimming rapidly, and soft shadows were stretched across the path. The garden at the back of the dormitory had always been quiet. Forgotten, almost.

It was just as deserted as always. Not a soul in sight. Snow was resting lightly on the low hedges and benches, untouched and pure. I scanned the area, pulling my coat tighter around. And then I noticed it... movement.

A slight shift near the stone archway at the far end of the garden, hidden behind tall bushes.

That place...

Recognition dawned in an instant. It was the exact same place the secret passage to the tunnel was located - the one Kieran used the night before to send me back. The passage was practically invisible unless you already knew it existed.

I took a cautious step forward, then another. My eyes scanned the dorm windows above to make sure no curious eyes were peeking out.

And then I saw him.

Oscar.

He emerged halfway from the shadows, meeting my gaze for a heartbeat before he reached out and grabbed my wrist, tugging me gently toward the arch.

"What are you doing?" I whispered curiously.

He didn’t answer. He just pulled me into the shadows, his body warm against the chill. My heart skipped a beat as we stepped through the hidden stone opening and into the narrow tunnel.

He led the way through darkness, and I followed, my steps echoing slightly as we passed through the quiet passage.

"Where are we going?" I asked after a moment as I was unable to hold back.

"You’ll see."

His fingers didn’t let go of mine the entire way. After a few turns, corridors, stairs, and narrow halls, we reached a door located in somewhat familiar hallway.

He punched in a passcode and the lock clicked.

The moment the door opened, a wave of warmth enveloped me. We stepped inside, and I blinked at the sight before me.

If I had to take a guess... then it was his private quarters at the Academy.

It was a small, private apartment just like Kieran’s. It was simple, masculine, but warm. A crackling fire was lightening up the fireplace across the room, its golden glow bouncing off the soft tan walls. There was a deep gray couch with a blanket tossed over it, a shelf lined with books, and even a kettle whistling softly in the corner.

He closed and locked the door behind us before finally releasing my hand. H3 then walked to the fireplace, and added another log before turning to face me.