Chapter 17. Becareful Princeling

Ryder’s POV

After spending a night at the estate, school felt smaller. It was all too loud and too bright. Teachers ran down the hallways as if something truly mattered, lockers slammed and students laughed. But it was all noise to me. False smiles. False dialogues.

With my hood up and headphones on, I leaned against the wall outside the first period. I wasn’t listening to any music. I simply didn’t want to speak to anyone. There were moments when nothing made sense except silence. As soon as she walked in I inhaled her scent.

Lila.

Her hair was unkempt as if she had little sleep. It appeared that she was tired and agitated. She cradled her sketchbook close to her chest while scanning the hallway as if trying to dodge someone

or possibly just me.

She d