I clutched the teddy bear tighter against my chest, trying to quiet the storm of thoughts racing through my mind. The heat. My bonds. Mr. Vance. Everything was happening so fast that I could barely catch my breath.
Lyra's voice drifted back into the room as she cracked the door open again. "They're gone for now. I convinced them you needed more time."
"Thanks," I said, immediately feeling guilty about my relief. "I'm not trying to avoid them. I just..."
"Need to process?" She slipped back inside, closing the door behind her. "Trust me, I get it. Five bonds is a lot, especially for someone who just found out she's a Grey."
I nodded gratefully. My gaze drifted to the gifts spread across my bed - the wildflowers, the chocolates, the now half-eaten Chinese food. Something about Silas's thoughtfulness made my heart flutter unexpectedly.
"Silas seems..." I trailed off, not sure how to articulate the feeling.