Nico's POV:
My muscles were coiled tight, my instincts screaming for action.
Every sound, every crunch of a branch beneath hurried feet, sharpened my senses further. I was just about to pivot and strike, when a soft sound knocked on my eardrums.
“Nico?”
I froze.
That voice was gentle and familiar… and definitely not a threat.
I turned sharply to find Miley standing a few feet away, holding a glass lantern. Its golden glow flickered against her face, reflecting in her glassy eyes which were fixed on my face, reflecting concern and curiosity in almost equal measure.
“Miley.”
She took a step forward, eyeing me cautiously.
“Are you okay?”
My posture stiffened, not wanting to show any more vulnerability… for some reason, fate was really adamant on bringing us face to face during the worst lows.
I drew a sharp breath and turned my gaze away, my jaw clenching on its own.
“Yes. I’m fine. Why are you here?”
“You seemed disturbed all day…”
She said quietly. “Then you just vanished. Tulio sa
