~ASHTON~

Something has changed between Hazel and me. I first noticed the shift when our casual conversations became awkward and clipped. There was a noticeable tension in the air whenever we shared a space, a stark contrast to the easy friendship we once had. I was having a hard time pretending everything was normal, especially because I knew my mate, who was watching us through her screen, could see through any facade I tried to put up.

I did not want to think about Ariel right now, ...