Chapter 112: News

As the last car carrying Jake, Samantha, and Charlie disappeared into the night, I waved, a faint smile playing on my lips despite the heavy feeling churning within me. Two hours had melted away in conversation, a welcome break from the swirling thoughts plaguing me. Yet, even in the middle of the laughter and shared stories, a knot of unease remained in my chest.

I stole another glance down the hallway where Nicholas disappeared earlier. The familiar desire to go back to the cabin, my temporary haven, tugged at me. But a heavy

But before I could act on it, Layla appeared in the doorway, her brow furrowed in concern. "Where are you going, Florence?"

I forced a smile, swallowing the lump forming in my throat. "Just back to the cabin," I offered, already turning towards the door.

Layla's eyes widened, blocking my path. "Back to the cabin? Are you crazy? You can't leave without Nicholas's permission. You did it one time the other day and let’s say the Alpha was a little annoy