Amara’s POV
The next day, I resolved to avoid everyone. Ryder’s words still echoed in my mind, and the pain of seeing him and Jaxon betray me lingered like a fresh wound. I stayed in my room for most of the morning, reading a book but barely registering the words on the pages.
By midday, the silence became suffocating, and I decided to step outside for some air. The crisp breeze felt like a small reprieve from the whirlwind inside me.
I wandered aimlessly, letting my feet guide me, until I found myself near the edge of the forest. Memories of Ryder from yesterday came rushing back. His voice, his desperate eyes, the way he called my name—it all tugged at my heart.
“Amara!”
The sound of my name startled me. I turned to see Jaxon jogging toward me, his expression conflicted.
I gr
