Chapter 221
Chapter 221
Elora
The hallway stretched before me like a corridor in a dream, familiar yet utterly transformed. Students parted as I walked, their phones raised, capturing every step as if I were some exotic creature that had wandered into their mundane world.
"Holy shit, that's her—the girl who disappeared for two weeks!"
"Disappeared?" Another voice cut through the whispers, sharp with incredulity. "She wasn't missing, idiot. She was winning. Why waste time in high school when you're that talented?"
"Did you see the quintuple Salchow? Even the Olympic Center covered it!"
"She's literally our school's pride now. Can you believe we go to the same school as her?"
The praise washed over me in waves, surreal and disorienting. Two weeks ago, I'd nearly died at Sienna's hands. Two weeks ago, I was still fighting just to survive each day. Now these same hallways that had witnessed my humiliation echoed with admiration I'd never dared imagine.
But beneath the wonder, gratitude threaded through my chest. Gratitude that Cade had been there when darkness closed in. Gratitude that I'd never surrendered, not even when every instinct screamed at me to give up. Because if I'd broken—even for a moment—I would have remained buried. Invisible. Ordinary.
The thought steadied me as I reached my locker, fingers working the combination one last time.
The contents weren't particularly valuable—old notebooks, a spare pair of socks, the emergency granola bars I'd stashed during my hungrier days. But they were mine. Proof that I'd existed here, that I'd survived.
"ELORA!"
The shout came with the force of a hurricane, followed immediately by arms wrapping around me in a bone-crushing embrace. Mira's familiar warmth flooded through me, and guilt twisted in my gut. I hadn't contacted her in days. Hadn't even thought to—
"I'm so sorry," I started, but Mira pulled back, her eyes bright with unshed tears and fierce joy.
"Sorry? For what?" She laughed, the sound genuine and free. "My best friend is becoming everything she was meant to be. I'm thrilled, you absolute idiot. Just—" Her voice softened, vulnerability flickering across her features. "Don't forget to call sometimes, okay? Don't forget your old friend when you're famous."
The words hit harder than they should have. I pulled her into another hug, fierce and tight.
"Never," I whispered against her shoulder. "I'll never forget how many times you saved me these past three years."
A student I vaguely recognized appeared at my elbow, breathless and excited.
"Elora! Principal Donovan heard you were here. He's prepared a send-off assembly in the gymnasium—everyone's waiting!"
I stared at him. "I'm not interested in—"
"It's not just a send-off!" The words tumbled out in a rush. "He wants you to speak. Share your success story, inspire the younger athletes. He thinks you could really help elevate the school's sports program."
The request sat bitter on my tongue. Of course. Now that I was useful, now that I could reflect well on the institution, suddenly I mattered.
But Mira was watching me with hopeful eyes, and I remembered all the students who'd suffered as I had. Maybe I could say something that would help them survive what I'd endured.
"Fine." I handed Mira my belongings. "Lead the way."
---
The gymnasium was packed.
For a disorienting moment, I thought I'd stumbled back into the international competition. The same density of bodies, the same electric anticipation crackling through the air. But then I saw them—Grandmother, Father, Richard, the Thornes—all seated in the front rows, and confusion crashed over me in cold waves.
What the hell was happening?
Principal Donovan stood center stage, his smile too wide, too eager as he beckoned me forward. The applause was deafening.
"This remarkable young woman," he announced, voice booming through the speakers, "is one of our most distinguished students. She'll be leaving us early, graduating ahead of schedule to pursue her professional career. I thought it fitting that she share a few words—inspire the next generation with her incredible spirit!"
He turned to me, still beaming. "To make this moment special, Elora, we invited your loved ones to witness this milestone. The floor is yours."
I accepted the microphone on autopilot, my gaze sweeping the crowd. Everyone was here. Everyone.
Except Cade.