Reya's POV
It was Zachary.
He took a step back, palms raised. “Whoa, sorry—I didn’t mean to scare you.”
I exhaled sharply, my hand still pressed to my chest. “Zachary. Gods, you startled me.”
“I’ve been calling your name for a while,” he said softly, his brows drawing together. “You didn’t hear me.”
I gave a weak smile, trying to push away the flood of emotions that threatened to break through. “Sorry. I guess I was just… lost in thought.”
He nodded, concern etched deep into his features. “You were quiet at lunch. More than usual. Are you okay?”
I hesitated, tempted to brush him off. But his voice was calm, warm. His presence, persistent but kind. For a moment, it chipped away at the armor I had so carefully forged.
“I’m fine,” I said, though my voice rang hollow even to me.
Zacha
