Chapter 77
Elena’s POV:
I turned to him, shocked. Heat crawled up my neck, my skin prickling with discomfort. A sheen of sweat formed on my palms, and suddenly, the garden’s cool air wasn’t enough.
I needed a distraction.
Grabbing the glass, I poured another glass of juice and downed it in one gulp. The icy liquid slid down my throat, momentarily easing the warmth spreading inside me—but it did nothing to quiet the storm raging in my chest.
I could feel his gaze on me—intense.
I refused to look at him.
Stay calm. I told myself.
“I’m not on the run,” I said, my voice steadier than I expected.
I turned to face him, forcing my shoulders back, my chin slightly lifted. If I was going to lie, I needed to sell it.
“I just… got tired of my pack. Wanted to see the world beyond
