Athena's sneakers echoed faintly against the polished floor of the corridor. She had her bag hanging lazily over her shoulder, the golden sport jacket hanging open over her white shirt. Her ponytail swayed with each step, two strands brushing her cheeks, softening her sharp presence into something almost too innocent.
Eyes followed her as whispers tickled the air.
"She's really bold after what happened…"
"Doesn't she feel ashamed?"
"She doesn't even care, look at her walking like nothing touched her…"
But Athena didn't falter. Not once. The old her might have shrunk under those looks, chewed herself up over every word. But now, no. Pretending not to hear, not to care, was armor. And she wore it well.
She was halfway down the corridor when a hand suddenly caught her wrist. Her body jolted, breath catching as she was tugged into a dark classroom.
The door clicked shut.
Before she could turn, her back hit the cool wall, and a palm pressed beside her head, caging her in.
