The nectar flowers burst open at dusk and flooded the air with heat that hit every body at once.
I felt it first in my chest. Julian grabbed my hand. “Liam, you feel that? Stronger than before.”
“Yeah. Hot all over,” I said. “Look at the others.”
Around the circle people stopped talking. Faces flushed. Eyes dark. Talia fanned herself. “What is this? My skin is on fire.”
Kade laughed short. “The new blooms. They opened early. Smell that sweetness?”
Daren pulled Talia close. “I want you right now. No waiting.”
Julian looked at me. “Garden is pushing hard tonight. We guide it or it runs wild.”
“We guide it,” I answered. “But I need you first. Private then open.”
He nodded. “Everyone listen. This heat is a gift. Take it slow. Talk. Share if you want. No pressure.”
Mira stepped forward
