With a sudden flurry of conflicting emotions that races through me, I run outside, away from Klevon, who doesn’t make any move to stop me. My heart pounds with an intensity that I had never felt before. My mind is a jumble of thoughts, my hair flowing behind me like a flag as I run.

Outside, the night is calm and peaceful. The air is crisp and clear. The full moon above cast its gentle glow on the landscape, but it doesn’t mirror what I feel now.

I run towards the tree where Theo gave me a ring with the Pitchford crest. I want to be near him. I want...