Lailani’s POV
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The night sky was a blanket of stars, each one twinkling as if sharing secrets only they knew.
I sat cross-legged on the old woven mat behind the cabin, the cool breeze brushing against my skin.
The forest hummed with life—the chirp of crickets, the distant rustle of leaves—and for a brief moment, I felt at peace.
But peace was a rare thing these days.
Not when Aziel’s face seemed to haunt my thoughts, with those piercing green eyes that seemed to see right through me, making my pulse race without warning.
“Lailani,” a familiar voice called, shattering the fragile quiet.
My body tensed instinctively, and my heart leapt into a frenzied rhythm.
I turned slowly, unable to hide the reaction even if I tried.
There he was, standing at the edge of the clearing.
Mo
