POV: Lila
Cornered by the Creek
I find them at the edge of the creek. The moonlight turns the water into a silver ribbon, glittering between the trees. The air is cold and quiet, like it’s holding its breath for what’s about to happen.
Mira’s back is pressed against a tree trunk, chest rising and falling in panicked jerks. Cassian stands in front of her like a shield, his body tense. His shirt is torn, and his breathing is uneven. She clutches his arm like she’s drowning and he’s her only lifeline.
“Please, not now,” Mira begs, her voice a shaky whisper, barely louder than the sound of the stream.
I step forward, slowly, my claws dragging across the rocky ground. Each scrape is deliberate. A warning.
“I warned you, Mira,” I say lowly. “No more running.”
Cassian’s eyes lock with mine
