IMOGEN'S POV
I burst through the school's double doors with my heart hammering against my ribs. The hallway stretched before me—empty, sterile, lined with colorful artwork that blurred as I ran past. My footsteps echoed on the polished floors, too loud in the quiet building. The school day had ended, but the silence felt wrong, unnatural. Like the world should be screaming along with me.
Joseph was gone.
I skidded around the corner, nearly colliding with a janitor who flattened himself against the wall. The main office door loomed ahead. I didn't bother knocking, just shoved it open with both hands.
"Where is my son?" My voice came out raw, desperate.
Three faces turned toward me—the receptionist, a stern-looking woman with glasses perched on her nose; Talia, pacing by the window; and a tall man in a navy suit who I immediately recognized as Principal Brooks.
"Mrs. Stone." The man stepped forward, hand extended. "Please, take a seat and we can—"
