46

46

Bethany's POV

The full moon cast its silver glow over the packhouse grounds, turning everything it touched into something otherworldly. The woods seemed quieter tonight, as if the trees themselves held their breath. I needed this peace, this escape from the constant noise in my head.

I wrapped my arms around myself, my sweater barely keeping out the chill. My breath curled in small clouds as I walked to the clearing where the creek ran quietly. It had become my safe space over the past few weeks, a place where I could think, or not think at all, depending on my mood.

Tonight, though, I wasn't alone.

Adrian stood by the water, his figure bathed in moonlight. His hands were tucked into the pockets of his jacket, his head tilted toward the sky. He looked peaceful, but I knew him well enough by now to see the tension in the set of his shoulders.

"You found my spot," I said softly, breaking the silence.