The knock on the bookshelf was faint, but in the silence of the library, it sounded like a thunderclap. Jade and I both turned, eyes wide, as if caught doing something we shouldn’t be. I quickly stood up, my heart racing, while Jade remained seated, her expression unreadable.
“Who’s there?” I called out, my voice trembling slightly.
There was no immediate response, just the sound of footsteps slowly approaching. I instinctively took a step back, glancing at Jade for reassurance, but she was focused on the shadow that was slowly emerging from behind the rows of books.
When the figure finally stepped into the light, my heart sank. It was Mason. His normally cheerful face was clouded with concern, and his eyes—usually so warm—were filled with something I couldn’t quite place.
“Faith,”
