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CHAPTER 22
~Spring's POV~
The courtyard was quiet during the fifth period, most students tucked away in labs or electives. I had an open block and decided to take a walk, letting the wind tousle my hair and clear my thoughts.
In my past life, birthdays were never like this. My father, the king, ensured it. There were feasts, fireworks, and festivals held in my name, except the two or three times I escaped to do something different.
Today? It was just silence… and the weight of five mate bonds choking me more than any crown ever did.
Jade hadn't said anything since this morning, but I could feel her—restless, circling. She wanted me to accept them. Our mates. But after what we'd suffered last time… I couldn't bring myself to want that yet.
"I…"
I stopped walking when I heard those sharp, cruel, familiar voices.
"…You really thought you could just walk past me?"
No doubt it was Madelyn. That venomous tone could only belong to her.
