The bookstore bag felt warm and comforting in my arms as I hugged it against my chest, my fingers tracing the rough edges of the paper. Beside me, Jenna walked with a spring in her step, humming some song that I barely registered. The evening air was cool, and stars were just beginning to blink into the darkening sky, giving everything a soft glow. It felt perfect.
As we neared the pack house, my mind drifted to the new book I’d picked up, already excited to crack it open once I was alone. But something ahead made me slow my steps. At first, it was just a vague shape near the entrance, barely visible in the dim light, but something about it felt... off.
I squinted, the outline sharpening as I got closer. There, leaning against the entrance, was Lucas. My heart did a strange, unexpected f
