Chapter 21

"You're joking!"

I was halfway out of the room but Paige's hold on my wrist kept me rooted on my spot. My throat bobbed in a tight swallow, and I fought to get air into my lungs.

"Let me go. I have to go speak to her." My gaze was firmly set on the cerulean-coloured curtains surrounding us. I tugged against her iron-clad grip, but she was strong, too strong for my feeble attempt.

"You're insane! You passed already! You won, why can't you just accept it!?" The emotion in her voice startled me and I looked over my shoulder at her. She was biting her lip hard enough to draw blood but her eyes were glassy with unshed tears. My heart squeezed painfully as I wondered why she was upset, we hadn't even known each other that long but she was willing to risk her victory for my safety,

Why?

I opened my mouth to explain, but the words caught in my throat. In truth, I didn't know what to say, I couldn't tell her the truth...however, I couldn't find it in me to lie either. So I remained silent.