Page 25 of Tag

He turned and walked off. Xander followed, falling into step beside him. “So, what’d you do, Hayes?” I heard him ask, his tone laced with curiosity and just enough edge to say he had noticed the off vibes. Was there anything Xander didn’t notice, though?

Ryder shot me a look. The,we’ll talk later kind.

And because he wasn’t the only one with a sixth sense for tension, Nick added loud enough for everyone nearby to hear as he stared after them. “Yeah, we’re definitely going to discuss whateverthatwas.” Then his gaze softened as he slid it back to me. “You’re all good?”

I knew he wasn’t just asking about Ashton. He meant the masked creep from last night. I nodded and took another sip from my drink like it might ward off the conversation I knew was coming, the one that had the potential to make everything worse. Ryder didn’t look convinced, but fortunately, time happened to be on my side.

“Later?” he asked.

“Of course.”

He clamped a hand on Nick’s shoulder and steered him toward the path they needed to take. Layla trailed behind them, glancing back once before falling into step beside Ryder. Once they were gone, I drifted closer to Cloe. We made our way through a vine-draped archway and across the final bridge leading toward our lit class. As we walked, I couldn’t get the mask out of my head. It lingered, blank and unsettling, like a haunting afterimage.

Cloe nudged my shoulder, a subtle but deliberate gesture. “Since we're on a tight schedule, what do you want to tell me now before you share it with everyone else later? I need all the crucial details in case I have to step in and save your ass.”

I chuckled, clutching the still-warm paper bag tighter. “I don’t think that person behind us was targeting our friend group.”

Her eyebrows rose. “Starting strong with the masked poser. Alright, continue.”

I let out a slow, shaky breath. “I think I saw them. Or… someone like them. Yesterday. Twice. One at The Pit and the second when I was at Ashtons. Ryder was on the phone with me for that one.”

“And you didn’t tell us?” A moment passed. “Sanj why—.”

“I know,” I interrupted. “I know. I’m an idiot sometimes.”

“You’re not an idiot, you just don’t always make smart choices,” she replied instantly, her voice softening.

“Is that not the same thing?”

“It isn’t close to being the same, but I really need more details, like now.”

We arrived at the large wooden doors of the lecture hall. Students were already filing in beneath the excessively ornate ceiling that resembled a cathedral more than a place for analyzing metaphors. I adjusted my bag higher on my shoulderand stepped closer to her, lowering my voice. “I’ll tell you everything after this. Promise.”

She considered me for a moment, then nodded. “That’s doable.”

We entered the large room and headed up the stairs to our usual seats in the middle row, dead center. The perfect spot to see the professor and the least likely to get called on. I wasn’t sure how I was going to make it through this class with where my head was at, but I’d damn well try my best.

CHAPTER FIVE

SANJANA

I slumped in my chair, battling the drowsiness that threatened to overtake me. The professor's voice was a monotonous drone in the background, discussing something I couldn't even begin to concentrate on. I'd finished my drink, and even after the espresso, all I could think about was the lure of my bed.

Cloe glanced over and gave me a knowing smile. “Late night?”

"Don't even," I murmured, barely forming the words.

Across the row, Olivia and Meghan sat diligently taking notes, epitomes of model students. Meghan, a perfect brunette I barely knew, didn't bother to look up as I adjusted my position for the hundredth time. My attention drifted to the large windows beside us, framing the serene courtyard below, a tranquil spot on campus at this time of day. Resting my head on my hand, I sank into the comfort of the seat while watching people go by. A couple shared a quick kiss before parting ways, and another girl was speed-walking to her destination. Three students halted abruptly, and my focus went to them. One gestured, prompting me to look in the same direction as they were.

I immediately straightened.

Leaning against the base of a tree, stood someone else in a mask. Unlike the plain one I had seen earlier, this mask was theatrical, with exaggerated features and squinted eye sockets.

They were larger and more robust than whoever had been following us outside, wearing a long coat with the hood pulledup, simply staring. I was two stories above, and it felt like they could see straight into the classroom.

I gently nudged Cloe.

“What is it?” she whispered.

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