Astoria Pov ~
Beatrice walked away, and Raiden didn't move for a long time. He said nothing. I did nothing but stand there, my puppy's heartbeat pressed against my chest, the air between us oppressively heavy.
At last, Raiden rubbed his neck and quietly said, “You don’t have to worry about her. She just likes to talk.”
I nodded slowly, unsure of what to write. I could still hear the words of Beatrice ringing in my head— that I was a mistake.
He noticed my hesitation. “You’re safe here, Astoria. Don’t let their nonsense get to you.”
I wrote something quick: I'm fine. Really.
He glanced down at the notebook and smiled slightly, doubtfully. “You keep saying that.”
My puppy barked softly as though trying to help. Raiden looked down at him then bent to scratch behind his ear. “He likes y
