-Vaughn Blackmore:
We didn't camp in the woods long after that. We departed two hours ago, and now we're right in front of the training camp building.
The second I walked out of the bus, a hand closed around my forearm.
Not hard.
Not violent.
But firm enough to stop me instantly.
I don't even need to look to know who it is.
I try to step back anyway.
"Let go of me," I say immediately, pulling my arm slightly.
He doesn't release me.
Doesn't even adjust his grip.
"Stay still."
The word is calm.
Final.
I glare up at him.
"I said Iet—"
"Remember the picture?"
That stops me.
Not because I forgot.
Because I didn't.
His eyes stay on mine, steady, unbothered, like he already knows how this ends. Like he's not asking me to stay.
He's reminding me I don't get to leave when I want to.
"We agreed," he adds, voice lower now, controlled in a way that makes it worse. "If I say stay still, you're staying still."
For a second, I just stand there.
Jaw tight.
