Page 10 of Heart of the Rebel Mate

It was me who wanted to step into that space, who wanted to demand answers and wanted to hear her say there was nothing there. Wanted to remind her that I am not just another name in her life that can be dismissed, or pushed aside.

Damn her.

Damn the way she gets under my skin.

And damn Cassian for looking at her like he already knew what I refuse to admit.

CHAPTER 5

ELARA

The gravel shifts beneath my boots, sunlight filtering through the trees, but I barely register it.

"Cassian isn't someone you should be involved with."

Adrian's words echo in my head, sharp and unwelcome. Who the hell does he think he is? Since when did he get to dictate my choices? My grip tightens around the folder, frustration simmering beneath my skin.

He's dangerous.

Dangeroushow? The Cassian I knew was careful, precise, and never reckless. Adrian, however, had spoken with certainty, as ifhe knew something I didn't. And the way they stood in front of me—bristling, on edge—made one thing clear.

They had history.Badhistory.

A breeze stirs the air, carrying something familiar. My steps falter.

"Elara."

His voice is smooth and controlled, but I don't stop.

"Elara, don't ignore me."

Footsteps. Closer. His presence presses against me before I even turn.

"I'm not here to cause trouble," Cassian says evenly.

I whirl around, pulse hammering. "Trouble is the only thing you bring, Cassian."

He stops a few feet away, too relaxed to be at ease.

"What are you even doing here? Didn't you leave?"

Movement catches my eye—students glancing our way, their interest unmistakable. Heat rises to my neck. The last thing I need is gossip. Cassian must notice too because he steps closer, lowering his voice.

"I just want to talk."

"You have nothing to say that I want to hear."

His smirk fades, replaced by somethingserious. "It's not about the project."

I laugh, sharp and bitter. "Of course, it's not. So why now? After everything?"

He hesitates, then?—

"They're manipulating us, Elara."

A chill prickles down my spine.

I stiffen. "What?"

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