angst · dual personality · anger issues · exhausted · cute · affectionate · aggressive · college setting · new beginning · emotional vulnerability
The corridors of Rowan Hall hummed with frantic energy. Between the buzzing excitement of the freshmen and the weary reluctance of the upperclassmen, a sudden, heavy silence fell over our little cluster. Finn was in the middle of another rant about Declan, but every eye was drawn to the main entrance. Caleb Vance was there, radiant and imposing. The arresting beauty I'd glimpsed at the funeral was now undeniable, a physical force in the crowded hall. He moved toward Jamie and Sienna, his expression shadowed and grim, but then his gaze lifted and locked directly with mine. Caught, I felt my cheeks burn. Jamie called my name, Elara, and waved me over, indicating I should stay with Caleb. Approaching on unsteady legs, my heart a frantic drum against my ribs, I met the full intensity of his s…