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CHAPTER 117
~Valerie's POV~
The rest of the day was a blur. By lunch, I just wanted quiet. To not feel the way my skin heated anytime one of them looked at me.
It didn't help how Astra was behaving, either. I so desperately wanted to feel their touch, even if it was for a little bit, to quench this….
I shook my head and the thoughts away.
I slipped into one of the courtyards tucked behind the greenhouse, which students rarely used or visited. It was quiet and shady looking by this time of day.
But I didn't care. However, I halted in my steps when my gaze landed on a figure not too far from me.
I wasn't alone.
Judging by his unique scent, I immediately recognised who it belonged to—Ash Kaid.
Sitting under the old willow, he was already there, flipping through a book. When he looked up, his expression softened.
"Didn't think anyone else knew about this spot," he stated.
"I needed air," I replied. My voice was too dry and my skin too warm.