Chapter 53

~ Rufus’s POV

Elara's tumble onto my chest sent a jolt through me. My face flushed hot, and for a second, I felt like shoving her off me, but I clenched my jaw and stopped myself from doing so. Without a word, I bolted. I needed air, space, anything to get Elara out of my immediate range. I raced out the house and plunged into the woods, the trees quickly swallowing me whole. Her voice calling my name faintly registered, but I pushed on, deeper into the green maze. My head throbbed, and I had to sort through the jumble of emotions before I could even think about facing her again.

The giant oak tree cast a cool shadow as I slumped down at its base. My mind was stuck on Elara, and how to slam the brakes on these growing feelings. Confessing everything felt too soon, too scary. Lost in thought, a gentle breeze whispered through the leaves, and sleep drifted over me like a wave.

A sudden gust of wind ripped through the trees, jolting me awake. Darkness had smothered the forest. Panic surg