(Elle's POV)
I was leaving the library with Liam, our arms brushing as we walked through the courtyard. The sun was low, painting everything in gold, and for a moment, it felt like nothing could touch us.
“Hey, you okay?” Liam asked, glancing at me. “You’ve been quiet again.”
“I’m fine,” I said quickly, forcing a smile. “Just… thinking about homework, I guess.”
Liam didn’t press, just nodded and gave my hand a gentle squeeze. I let myself relax, leaning into the warmth of him beside me.
But then I noticed movement near the edge of the courtyard. A shadow slipped past the trees, staying just out of direct sight. My chest tightened, and I immediately told myself it was nothing. Aiden wouldn’t interfere. He respects my choice.
Still, the instinct lingered. He had a way of appearing at t
