CHAPTER FORTY
The scent of pine and earth mingles with the underlying buzz of the village as I scan the group for a familiar pair of brown eyes. My heart drums a wild rhythm against my ribs, anticipation threading through each pulse. The bustle of an early spring morning in our community surrounds me, but it's all background noise to the mission at hand.
"Kyle," I call out, my voice barely rising above the din.
He turns, but his face doesn’t light up at the sight of me like it used to. He strides towards me, moving with the grace of a predator, even among the unsuspecting humans.
"Can we talk?" I ask, my words a hushed whisper meant only for him.
"Sure." His voice holds a warm timbre that sets my skin ablaze with memories. "What's on your mind?"
"Privately," I say, tilting my head to
