LOGINI took a seat, perching a little nervously on my knees. With the door shut behind us, the living room felt more intimate than it ever had before; we usually only used it for more formal meetings or guests. But now, it felt like it was being used for what it was supposed to be used for, and it was we
Ellie’s POV“Yes,” Amy said. “A sleepover. One night this week. I think it could be really beneficial for you both.”I looked at Dominic. He was staring at Amy like she’d just suggested we run naked through the pack grounds. It certainly felt that way.“That’s… Unconventional,” I muttered.Amy smile
“Oh, here we go.” I pinched the bridge of my nose. “Dominic, Lucas had nothing to do with it except for the initial invitation. This is my passion, and it has nothing to do with either of you.”Dominic gnawed on the inside of his cheek and stared at me like he was searching my face for answers.Amy,
Ellie’s POVOur next therapy session was scheduled for Thursday afternoon. I showed up right on time on purpose, hoping to avoid any awkward small talk with Dominic beforehand. He was already sitting on the sofa when I walked in, chatting with Amy, who was in her usual chair with her notebook open i
He thought for a moment before he said, “I appreciate how smart you are. You’re studying to be a healer, and you’re good at it. I’ve seen the way you talk about your classes, the way you light up when you’re learning something new. It’s one of the things I’ve always admired about you.”I blinked. I
Ellie’s POVDinner was almost painfully quiet. We ate the roasted chicken and vegetables that the cooks had prepared, and Dominic made a few attempts at small talk, but mostly, it was only the sound of scraping cutlery and chewing and Vivian’s distant sobs that filled the air.After we finished eati
Ellie POV The mountain watches us long before we reach it.By the time we gather at the clearing at its base, the air has turned sharp enough to sting when I inhale too deeply. Cold clings low to the ground, seeping up through the soles of my boots, settling into my calves.Even in daylight, jacket
I don’t know them, but I do. From the memory. Still, I find myself stepping forward into a knot of mostly unfamiliar faces—management-track students I’ve only ever passed in hallways or worked around, never with.Their jackets are cleaner. Their posture more assured. They cluster instinctively, alre
Vivian POV As soon as Dominc left, I. Was. Pissed.Everyone was in a rush, instructors trying to orchestrate a search party, students whispering and conspiring if Ellie was even alive.Some panicked, others choosing to keep celebrating the win of the day.The clearing was now a mess, lanterns swing
“You know,” Lucas finally grinned. “Defending him is step one. I didn’t know you two were so close.”“We aren’t.”Lucas plucked a grape from his plate, giving me a coy grin. “Nose to nose in a gym closet says otherwise.”I shift uncomfortably, and he notes it.“I honestly didn’t think you’d agree,”







