Stolen Secrets

(Neva’s POV)

The words clogged in my throat.

Zara noticed first. She leaned forward quietly, slipping her hand into mine. I drew a shaky breath.

“I have so much to say,” I whispered, “but I’ll start from the beginning. From the party.”

The room went still. My friends’ eyes fixed on me, curiosity thick in the air.

“That night, at the children’s introduction party… Kaelen and I were walking together