Rhea’s pov

I didn’t know long I was staring for. Until—

“You’re staring,” Elliot said lightly, nudging my knee under the table. “Try not to scare them.”

I smiled at him. An easy smile. The kind that keeps questions away.

“I’m listening,” I said.

Across from me, Ivy froze for half a second.

Not because of Elliot’s words. Because my eyes were already on her.

I noticed Ivy the moment we sat down.

Not in a casual way. Not in a polite way. It was In a way that felt very sharp and clear. It was like my body had already decided even before my mind could.

She sat straight,...