ASTOR'S POV.
The question was direct and unassuming, and it hit me like a rogue Frisbee in the stomach. I knew I couldn't swerve my way out of this one. Denial wouldn't cut it anymore.
I took a deep breath and looked at Clara. Her eyes spoke of concern and something else I couldn't quite wrap my head around. held me captive. And in that moment, I knew I had to be honest.
"Yeah," I admitted, my voice barely a croak. "It hurts. But… not because I like Xyra romantically, you know? It's just… different. We were close, like two peas in a pod."
Clara listened patiently, her hand tightening around mine. I poured out my jumbled thoughts. Everything including the confusion, and the fear, left out the complicated thing I somewhat had with Xyra.
And as I talked, the words tumbled out like pebble
