Chapter 24: The Weight of a Name

Raine didn't return to the dorms right away. She needed answers.

The unknown message wasn't a coincidence. Someone knew her past. And if they were watching, she needed to know who.

She slipped into an empty stairwell, pulling out her phone. Her fingers typed quickly.

Raine: Who are you?

The message sent. No response.

Her lips pressed into a thin line. Coward.

She tried another approach.

Raine: If you have something to say, say it. Otherwise, stop wasting my time.

Seconds passed. Then—

Unknown Number: You act tough, but you haven't changed. Still the same desperate girl, clinging to a dream that already killed her once.

Raine's grip on her phone tightened. This wasn't just some random threat. This person knew her.

She inhaled sharply, forcing her heartbeat to steady.

Raine: Then let's see if history repeats itself.

The three dots appeared. Then disappeared.

No reply.

Raine locked her phone. Fine. Let them watch.

She wasn't running. Not this time.