Chapter 10
The next morning felt like I was living someone else’s life.
I wore the pendant beneath my sweater like it was a secret, close to my heart. Every time I touched it, I could feel the weight of Ian’s promise—real and heavy. Abigail noticed my dreamy silence and just grinned, deciding not to press for details… for once.
But not everyone stayed silent.
At lunch, I noticed the sudden hush that fell over the cafeteria as I walked in. Heads turned. Whispers followed. My heart sank.
Then I saw her—Clarissa.
Long blonde hair. Designer clothes. And the confidence of someone who always got what she wanted.
And she was walking straight toward me.
“So…” she said, smiling sweetly. “You and Ian?”
I stiffened. “What about us?”
“Oh, come on.” She leaned in closer. “Do you really think someone like you has a chance with someone like him?”
The words hit hard. Not because they were surprising—but because they echoed the doubt already sitting in my chest.
“I don’t think his standards are that low,” she added, eyes scanning me with disdain.
I forced myself to stand tall. “Well, maybe his standards have changed.”
Her smile vanished for a split second, but she recovered quickly and gave me a slow, mocking clap. “Cute. You’re learning to talk back. Let’s see how long that lasts when reality hits.”
She turned and sauntered off.
Abigail appeared beside me like a storm cloud. “That spoiled witch. Don’t let her get in your head, Ava.”
“I’m trying.”
But that night, I lay awake, staring at the ceiling. My fingers clutched the pendant Ian gave me, and my mind churned.
What if Clarissa was right?
What if this thing between me and Ian wasn’t built to last?
The next few days, I didn’t see Ian at all. No texts. No surprise meetings. He just… vanished.
And the silence hurt more than it should’ve.
By Friday, I’d convinced myself it had all been a mistake. I was just a distraction to him. A passing moment. And I was foolish to believe it could be more.
So when Abigail dragged me to a small party at Luke’s house, I didn’t resist. I needed something—anything—to distract me.
Music was loud. Lights were dim. And there he was.
Ian.
Across the room, talking to some guys. And beside him… Clarissa.
She had her hand on his arm, laughing like they were already mated.
Something broke inside me.
I turned to leave, but before I could get to the door, Ian was in front of me.
“Ava, wait—”
“No,” I snapped, surprising even myself. “I get it now. You don’t have to explain.”
He looked stunned. “What are you talking about?”
“You disappeared. Then I find you here—with her. Was it all just a game to you?”
Ian stepped closer, jaw tight. “Don’t assume you know what you saw.”
“Then tell me what I saw!” My voice cracked.
He looked away for a second, then back at me. “I’m trying to protect you.”
My anger faltered. “From what?”
“From me,” he said, voice hoarse. “From this world. From everything that wants to tear you apart the moment they know you’re mine.”
I stared at him, shaken. “You think disappearing is protection?”
“I think letting you go might be the only way to keep you safe.”
Silence fell between us like a wall.
But then I stepped forward and placed my hand on his chest.
“I don’t want safe,” I whispered. “I want you. Even if it burns me.”
His hand covered mine.
And just like that, the walls crumbled again.