Shared Secrets
(Nova POV)
The next day felt heavier than the one before.
I woke up with the taste of yesterday's kiss still on my lips—salt, heat, desperation—and the echo of Serena's note burned into my mind: "He'll betray you." I hadn't slept much. The bond had kept me restless, tugging every time I closed my eyes, reminding me of Damien's mouth on mine, his hands pulling me closer, his voice breaking when he said "I can't." I'd felt his need through the bond—raw, dark, barely leashed—and it had left me flushed and aching long after he walked away.
I told myself it was just the bond.
Just the curse.
Just biology.
But it wasn't.
It was him.
And me.
And whatever we were becoming.
Classes dragged.
I barely heard the lectures.
Barely saw the board.
The bond kept pulling—warm, insistent, toward the squad complex. Toward him.
When the last bell rang, I didn't go straight there.
I went to the dorm first.
Showered.
Changed into fresh leggings and a fitted tank.
