Free Spirit

Aidra heard it first—fists, claws, something pounding against the wall like it wanted in. Charlotte jumped when the sound slammed the window next, but every time they flew to check, empty glass stared back. Their pulses raced. Each silence felt thicker than the last. By dawn the professor had vanished. No trace left behind. Aidra tore through rooms, calling her name, sick dread growing with every empty corner. All the while Aiden watched Abigail, stunned by the way she lived untouched by fear, every reckless laugh pulling Aiden closer. She wanted that freedom for herself, wanted the wind and road the way Abigail claimed them, wanted her mouth, her skin, the heat that rose whenever Abigail’s eyes met hers.