Chapter 5

After my encounter with Laurel, I decided to skip the library. Most lunch breaks were spent eating in my car. Eventually, Ahren discovered my hiding spot, and he started joining me there from time to time. He's a good friend, but sometimes, I yearn for solitude. I just wish he'd give me some space.

Zaven walks into the room and comments, "Alora, you're early," as he places his bag against the wall.

"Yeah, since I haven't been doing much at home, I thought I'd start stretching early."

He approaches the ballet barre and begins preparing. I reach down one more time to touch my toes before lifting my leg and resting it against the barre. I mentally count before bending forward and resting against my thigh.

I'm relieved that I haven't run into Lucien again. He remains a mystery, and I'm still trying to decipher his connection to Detective Dristan. Lucien doesn't appear to have many problems, so Detective Dristan must know him well. Lucien mentioned they might be family.

Zaven places a