Amara POV

The moment I stepped into the office, I knew something was off. It wasn’t just the stillness, or the way conversation died when I walked in. It was the stares. Lingering. Unspoken. Heavy. People looked at me like I wasn’t supposed to be there.

Some smiled tight, uncomfortable. Most avoided eye contact altogether. I didn’t need anyone to say a word; I could feel it. Whatever whispers were circling had everything to do with me. Or more likely, Cassian.

The news had broken early ...