Naomi’s pov :
The university's arts building loomed behind us as Lucy and I stepped out into the crisp January afternoon, the snow-dusted quad bustling with students wrapping up their day.
Club had been productive, ideas flowing, Alex's disappointment handled gently, but my mind kept drifting to Elias. The bond thrummed steadily, a warm undercurrent that grew stronger as the minutes ticked toward pickup time. His text earlier had been simple, protective as always, but it sparked a flutter in my chest.
After last night's deep talks, the coffee and closeness, I felt more at ease with us. I'd chosen to live in the present, embracing the bond's pull without overthinking. Lucy chattered beside me about Ronan's latest text, her excitement infectious, but I scanned the curb, heart skip
