Chapter 116
Chapter 116
Chapter 116: The Echoes We Run From
Rain slicked the streets like spilled oil under the harsh glow of the streetlamps
Brielle’s lips still tingled from Damian’s kiss but her mind couldn’t rest Her blood was still hot her body still trembling but it wasn’t just the aftermath of danger or passion
It was the knowing
Knowing someone was always watching
Knowing the truth had changed everything but not made them safe
Damian walked beside her one hand resting near his belt where a knife hid under his hoodie His other hand twitched occasionally like he was expecting another attack
The city was still It was late The usual laughter and traffic sounds had died out replaced by a thick wet silence
They didn’t speak
Not until they reached the rusting gates of campus where the warm illusion of college life tried to greet them again with posters about open mic nights and flyers for study groups fluttering on walls
Brielle stopped under the dripping roof of the old student union building
We can’t go back to class tomorrow and pretend none of this happened
Damian looked at her
We have to
You know what I mean she said her voice low but sharp We can’t keep doing this
His jaw clenched
Doing what Brielle
This
Fighting one minute and kissing the next Pretending we’re not burning for each other while the world is falling apart
He stepped closer until the space between them throbbed with heat
We don’t have a choice he said Not yet
You think this will stop just because Anderson is dead
You heard him he said something’s wrong with me
Something’s wrong with both of us she said quietly
Damian raised a hand brushed her wet hair off her cheek His touch was rough but his eyes were soft
Then let it be wrong he whispered Let’s be wrong together
A voice echoed across the quad then loud clear and mocking
Well isn’t that romantic
Brielle spun around heart thudding
Across the pavement under the trees stood Nova The girl with too many secrets and too few smiles
She stepped forward clapping slowly her eyes glowing with cruel delight
You two make it so easy she said pulling her phone from her jacket
What are you doing Damian asked his voice going cold
Nova smirked
Oh don’t worry I’m not the one coming for you
But they are
She tossed the phone on the ground A video played on loop
Brielle and Damian
Kissing
Touching
Confessing
Every forbidden moment captured in crystal clear sound and color
Nova smiled wide
You thought the school would look away?
The council?
The sponsors?
You’re walking scandals
Now let’s see if you can survive being famous
She walked off laughing as alarms suddenly blared across campus
Damian and Brielle stood frozen in the rain
As doors flew open
Lights snapped on
And their secret exploded