Alara’s POV The coffee shop smelled like roasted espresso and cinnamon rolls, but the comfort I used to feel here was gone. Ever since Clarke left for a business trip and Maya started staying more often with Vivianne, the Wolfe mansion felt big—and lonely. I thought coming in today would ground me, remind me where I started. But something felt…off. Percy was unusually quiet as she brewed a cappuccino behind the counter. No sarcastic comments. No smirks. Just a weird stillness that sent goosebumps up my arm. I narrowed my eyes. “Did you tell Ryan about the gala or the club night?” She barely looked up. “Why would I do that?” I tilted my head. “You two still talk?” She shrugged. “Not really.” Not really wasn’t a no. Before I could push further, the front door chimed. I turned and fr

