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Meghan’s POV

The morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a gentle warmth across the room as we gathered around the breakfast table. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and sizzling bacon filled the air, creating an illusion of normalcy despite the turmoil that churned beneath the surface.

I glanced at Lin, my heart heavy with the weight of what I had to discuss. Against my better judgement, I had been thinking of Donna's words through out the majority of yesterday. I decided that I needed to see Zack again, but I did not want a repeat of what had happened last time I left.

"Lin," I began tentatively, my voice quiet but determined. "I think we should consider talking to Zack again. Maybe if we can reason with him, he'll see that handing over the gem is the right thing to do."

Lin's gaze snapped to mine, his expression a mixture of disapproval and something else—a hard edge that sent a shiver down my spine. His jaw tensed, his fingers gripping his coffee cup a little too tigh