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CHAPTER 21
~Spring's POV~
My thumb hovered over the screen as the words blurred for a second, and a foreign ache uncurled in my chest.
With the whole situation gone wrong and matebond, I had forgotten it was my birthday briefly, even though that sheer fact is the reason I was thrown into this mess.
Or maybe I'd chosen to forget. It hadn't felt like mine this year.
Behind me, I could still feel their presence. I didn't need to turn to know they were still watching, still parsing every breath I took like it might reveal my next move.
The phone buzzed again.
Mum: We'll be there before sunset. We have gifts and your favourite cake—don't even think about running off!
I bit my lip, my chest tightening.
"Everything okay?" Storm asked, though I sensed the softness in his tone, I knew he was curious like all the others.
I didn't answer.
