Amara’s POV The next morning, the air at school felt heavier, like an unspoken tension blanketed the halls. It wasn’t just the spell that weighed on the Triplets anymore; it was me. My resolve to ignore them, to shield myself from their venom and confusion, was crumbling faster than I wanted to admit. I kept my head down as I made my way to the library, clutching a book Elian had given me on magical wards and protection spells. It was becoming clear that the Triplets were slipping deeper into the witches’ trap, and if I didn’t act soon, they might be lost forever. I barely made it halfway down the corridor when I heard footsteps behind me. Turning quickly, I found myself face-to-face with Ryder. His expression was conflicted, a mix of anger and something else—something softer. "A

