Chapter 10 Knotting

• ARDEN
• The chairs scraped against the pristine wooden floor as individuals faced their groups, the wide space alive with small chatter about gossip and future plans. Yet amidst the voices, I could distinctly hear the rapid beating of my own heart.
• We found ourselves entrapped in an awkward silence. Cade was gazing out of the window, his thoughts drifting far beyond the classroom. Beside me, Rowan’s eyes were glued to the side of my face, his intense stare making my cheeks flush. Meanwhile, Tessa acted engrossed by her laptop, completely immersed in whatever was displayed on the screen.