****************
CHAPTER 123
~Dristan's POV~
The silence that followed was deafening.
The number still sat at my feet, untouched.
Kai stared after the fading streak of light in the sky, then looked at me. "What do you say we call her and try to talk? Hopefully, she'll listen. Or..."
"Or we chat her privately. Individually," Axel said, his voice quiet, more thoughtful now.
Xade exhaled and looked at me. "What do you think, Dristan?"
I didn't answer right away.
My eyes were locked on that small piece of paper. It might as well have been a lifeline—or a blade.
Finally, I looked up. "I need to see Valerie."
Kai blinked. "Let's call her out?"
"No." I shook my head. "She's not in the dorms."
They all frowned.
"What do you mean?" Axel asked.
I nodded once. "Xander left more than her number. He left a trail. A clue. I could smell her on him."
All their eyes snapped to me.
"She was with him?" Kai asked, incredulous.