Amara’s POV
The rain poured in relentless sheets, the sound a soothing hum against the chaos of my thoughts. I stood on the front steps of the school, waiting for Elian. He’d promised to walk me home after our late-night study session, and though the storm was raging, he hadn’t let me down yet.
I tugged my jacket tighter around me, shivering as the wind whipped my damp hair into my face. Just as I was about to retreat back inside, I saw him jogging toward me, rain dripping from his dark hair, a grin tugging at his lips.
"Sorry, I’m late," Elian said, slightly breathless.
"You’re insane for coming out in this weather," I replied, my tone lighter than I intended.
He shrugged, his grin widening. "I’m not about to leave you stranded in a storm."
We began walking, the storm soaking
