43. (JO POV)

(JO POV)

The wave of relief at seeing Dane again was overwhelming, a rush of happiness that momentarily eclipsed everything else. Yet, beneath that joy, a simmering anger lingered over his absence and the silence between us.

Instead of unleashing that anger upon him, I remembered something Dane had been trying to instill in me since my arrival. If I had nothing nice to say, it was better to say nothing at all. And truthfully, nice words were scarce in my heart at that moment.

Sensing my agitation, Dane didn't waste time. He orchestrated a swift exit from the school for me, a decision driven by his perception of my distress. We found refuge in Deirk's townhouse, a place close to the school I didn't even know existed.

By the following day, my anger had dulled enough to allow for conversation without the fear of a total emotional eruption. Yet, watching Dane feed from Deirk, hesitant to approach me for fear of causing harm, stirred a complex mix of emotions. Witnessing the struggle and