CALEB

Then a bright smile broke across her face. She lifted a hand and gave me a small wave.

My heart skipped.

No hesitation this time. No confusion. It was a clean, undeniable reaction. Maybe I hadn’t imagined everything. Maybe I still had a chance.

I straightened instinctively, returning the wave with a small, almost awkward smile—but the second I felt Silas watching me, I dropped my hand and cleared my throat, forcing myself back into something resembling composure.

“What’s her name?” Silas asked. He’d noticed the shift in me immediately.

“Laura.”

“Are you sure?” There was that familiar edge of amusement in his voice. I didn't have to look...