Selene’s POV

The cozy café was quieter than I expected, a warm little spot near the academy’s entrance, but the silence between Elara and me was anything but comfortable. She stirred her drink absently, her fingers tracing the rim of the cup. Her eyes watched me as if trying to gauge my mood. I wasn’t sure why I had followed her there. Maybe it was curiosity, or maybe I wanted answers—closure, even. I wasn’t entirely sure, but I knew one thing for certain. ...