I couldn't stop thinking about Rhys's hands.
Those burned palms haunted me as I absently stirred the coffee Seraphina had placed in front of me. The café buzzed with afternoon energy, but I remained lost in my own thoughts, replaying last night's confrontation for the hundredth time.
"Earth to Elara!" Seraphina snapped her fingers in front of my face. "Are you with us? It's your birthday celebration, remember?"
I blinked, forcing a smile. "Sorry, just tired."
"Tired or troubled?" Seraphina arched a perfectly shaped eyebrow. "You've been spacing out all afternoon."
I couldn't tell her I was worried about the man who had once destroyed me. The man whose hands were burned because he'd tried to save a gift meant for me. A gift with two wolves forming a heart—exactly like the doodles I'd made years ago.
"Just birthday jitters," I lied. "Twenty-three feels... significant somehow."
"Well, drink up. Ethan texted that he's running late but will be here soon."
