The sky was still gray, but the rain had stopped. Only dew and the scent of wet earth lingered. Evalina stood staring at the ground where Eloise’s necklace had fallen, her breath ragged, her heart still trembling.

But enough was enough.

“I don’t want to talk about this anymore,” Evalina muttered, bending down to pick up the necklace. Her fingers clutched the small pendant tightly, as if trying to contain the chaos swirling inside her.

“Evalina, wait. You can’t just pretend none of this happened—” Claire stepped forward, but Hunter quickly moved between them.

“Leave her alone,” Hunter said firmly. “She’s had enough.”

Evalina turned to Claire, her eyes wet...