Chapter 18
Elora's POV.
Harriet finally stepped back, satisfied, and turned away. The crowd slowly dispersed with her, leaving me on the floor like I was invisible.
I searched for Tracy desperately, but she was gone. The emptiness that replaced her presence made my chest ache more than the slap itself.
I stayed there for a moment, my hands trembling as I tried to steady my breathing. The hallway felt colder now.
Slowly, I pushed myself up, wincing as pain shot through my side. My legs felt weak and unsteady, but I forced them to move. I could not stay here any longer.
Each step toward the exit was painful, but I kept walking, my head lowered to avoid everyone's eyes. Just as I reached the corner, a hand suddenly grabbed my wrist and pulled me into a narrow alleyway.
My heart jumped in alarm, and I tried to pull away until I saw his face.
Liam.
