I slipped into a pair of jeans and an old sweatshirt, seeking comfort in their familiar embrace. Once settled on the bed, my gaze lingered on my new phone, anticipation bubbling beneath my skin. I hoped Varen or Freya would call before tomorrow. It was hard to believe that it had only been a day, and yet I already missed them deeply. If not for the sudden knock on my door, I might have spent the entire evening staring at the screen.

"Come in," I called, and Beta Ronan stepped inside. I ...