CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY SIX – LEARNING TO LIVE AND LET LIVE

However, as Cassie grew more independent, she began to notice a change in Florian. He seemed more anxious, always checking up on her, always worried about where she was going and who she was with. One evening, as Cassie was getting ready to head to Ivan's shop, Florian appeared in the doorway of their bedroom, a frown on his face. "You're going out again?" he asked, his voice tinged with concern. Cassie nodded, pulling on her jacket. "Yeah, Ivan's teaching me about werewolf folklore tonight. It's fascinating stuff." Florian's frown deepened. "Don't you think you're spending a lot of time with Ivan lately?" Cassie paused, sensing the tension in Florian's voice. "He's been really helpful, Florian. Is there a problem?" Florian ran a hand through his hair, a gesture Cassie had come to recognize as a sign of his frustration. "I just... I worry about you, Cassie. This world, it can be dangerous. I don't want you getting hurt." Something inside Cassie snapped. All the frustration and r