Rayne sat on a bench tucked deep into the wooded perimeter, the noise of the courtyard muted beneath the canopy above. Her fingers trembled where they clutched the edge of her cloak.
She was still reeling.
From Jace.
From the kiss.
From everything she couldn’t name.
Jace had fallen in love with her.
This wasn't what she wanted.
But Jace was a good friend, the only one who knew her secret and has been by her side to ensure she never got caught.
She sighed deeply as she turned around hoping to see him with a tray of food. But it's been several minutes he left and still no sign of Jace.
Rayne stood up and head back to the courtyard in search of him.
---
More girls had began to circulate the crowd now, pairing off with Alphas who approached them eagerly. Some flirted, others brushed
