BRIAR’S POV
"How is he?" Tavian asks, waiting for me even after the ceremony has ended and everyone is already heading home.
I emerge from the woods with Deborah following close behind. The second he sees us, he draws nearer. I pass him a solemn look, shaking my head with a heavy sigh.
"Not good."
"I can't say I'm worried about him in the slightest, not after the crazy stunt he almost pulled," he comments, frowning, with eyes that seem to say he knew.
"You noticed..."
"I know my own cousin. I saw him staring before he started making his way toward you."
"It's not his fault, Tavian."
"You're making excuses for him again," he says, looking hurt, and I fall silent again, torn.
He’s right—I am making excuses for him.
"Maybe you're right," I admit softly.
Eli almost caused a big upr
