#Chapter 117: The Gift

Kayla I was lost in the stars, as I often was this time of night, when I heard the sound of footsteps behind me. I looked up from my telescope, my breath catching as I saw Nicholas standing in the doorway of my haven. His jacket was covered in snow, his hair damp and disheveled, and his expression was thunderous. The floorboards creaked as I took a step forward. “Nicholas, I—” He cut me off before I could finish. “What were you thinking, Kayla? Leaving that note, making me think you were going to the cabin despite multiple warnings not to go there? Do you have any idea how dangerous that could have been?” I flinched at his tone, but not out of fear. Out of guilt. “I’m sorry,” I said quickly. “I didn’t mean to scare you. I was just… upset last night. I almost went to the cabin, but I realized it was a bad idea and forgot about the note.” Nicholas’s expression softened slightly, but his eyes were still hard as steel. “Upset about what?” he demanded. I