The morning air was crisp as I stepped onto the porch, wrapping my sweater tighter around me. The forest beyond the cabin stretched out endlessly, golden light filtering through the trees. It should’ve felt peaceful. Safe.
But something lingered in the back of my mind. A tension I couldn’t shake.
I had felt it since yesterday—since the way Nolan had looked at me during our walk, the way Jace had lingered in town, watching me like I was something fragile. Something valuable.
And I hated it.
I wasn’t fragile. I wasn’t something to be handled carefully. I was starting over. I was free.
The thought of staying cooped up inside made my skin itch, so I decided to go for a walk, hoping the fresh air would clear my head. The trails behind the cabin were becoming familiar, and I took my time, l
