Waking up the next morning feels different after spending the night with Oliver at the cabin. My mind refuses to slow as it loops through everything he told me, each revelation settling deeper with the light of day.
His father has been quietly maneuvering behind the scenes, forging alliances among the hybrids, causing pieces to slide into place long before I ever knew I was part of the board. And then there’s the engagement. He’s preparing to call it off during the break, knowing the announcement could unravel years of expectation.
Oliver warned me to expect retaliation when it happens, especially from Elara. She won’t take it quietly. She never does. The thought weighs on me, but beneath the tension is something else, perhaps relief. Once it’s officially announced, we won’t have to hide
