Chapter 310. Offensive Magic: pt. 1

Aurora’s POV

The wind rustled through the tall pines as I stood at the edge of the clearing, arms folded tightly across my chest, trying to keep my breathing steady. The morning sun filtered through the leaves, casting golden patterns on the forest floor, but the warmth it brought couldn’t reach the chill that had settled in my bones. Maggie was a few feet away, pretending to be focused on adjusting her stance, one hand brushing the hem of her hoodie like she was casually swiping away dirt.

Ashton was sitting on a nearby log, twirling a twig between his fingers like he always did when he didn’t know how to fill the silence. None of us said it aloud, but I knew they were all acting-pretending today was like any other. Like last night hadn’t happened. Like I didn’t see the way they flinched when I looked at them for too long.

I tried to do the same. I tried to act like I didn’t feel my heart sink every time Maggie smiled too quickly or Ashton avoided my eyes.