99

Ninety nine

*Rafe*

As I held Freya close to me, I couldn't help but marvel at her selflessness. Her warmth and softness enveloped me, making me feel safe and loved. She was truly the best thing in my life, and I treasured every moment with her. I had been dreading telling her that I wouldn't be able to take her to the party because of Jessica, but Freya surprised me by giving me her understanding and permission. It was just one more example of her incredible kindness and generosity, even when she didn't have to be. As I gazed into her deep brown eyes, I knew that I was the luckiest person in the world to have her by my side.

"But.. How did you know I would be taking Jessica?" I finally managed to ask, my voice barely more than a whisper. The weight of the situation pressed down on me, suffocating.

"Jessica told me herself," Freya began, a mixture of hurt and determination flickering in her eyes. "She came to my chamber earlier. She bragged about it—how you had to beg her to go with yo