Chapter 138

*Kaelen*

It was just past dusk when I found Rowan waiting for me near the outer ridge, arms crossed, his silhouette framed by the last strip of golden light bleeding through the trees. The shadows clung to him like armor, like he needed something more than skin to keep himself steady.

He didn’t speak at first. Neither did I.

We had always been like this—saying the most in the silences.

But this si