Chapter 66

• I can’t see him. I can’t let him sway me, touch me, or get close. My heart will betray me if I do.
• It’s followed by the squeak of one of the cleaning carts, and I exhale when it rolls right past my room and fades into the distance. My body weak with relief, and I sprawl out star-shaped on my bed, exhaling so heavily I let out a whooshing noise and then moan at my stupid despair.
• Stop freaking out, Alora. You’re going to get yourself in such a mess and not be able to follow through. Relax, breathe, count.