Page 21 of Volik

I can feel it.

Slowly, I turn away from the sidewalk and head deeper into campus.

There is something here.

And I am going to find it.

Chapter 10

Nix

Ifollow the last student to the door and close it after them.

Both classes are done for the day and, in my biased opinion, both a success.

Feeling proud of myself, I walk back to my desk.

The clock on my laptop says 12:05.

I smile.

Two minutes until my birthday.

Chapter 11

Volik

Voices lower to whispers as I walk through the center of the commons.

The food court is full of clashing smells. Too many people. Too much noise.

I never come here. Have never set foot in this building.

But I had to.

I had to come this way.

I stop, standing in the center of the giant room. Tables on one side of me. Groups of people purchasing their lunch on the other.

Breathing in, I try to follow that scent.

But it still doesn’t taste like anything. I still can’t find it in the air.

I know how I look. Dressed all in black. Tense. Jaw clenched. Hands fisted.

I look aggressive.

Students already have phones aimed at me.

Videos are already being recorded.

I should relax.

Leave.

Apologize.

Say something.