Lucien stood outside the camp dorms, still holding the half-used first aid kit.
His mind wouldn't stop spinning.
Naya had looked at him like he was a stranger. No—worse. Like someone she couldn't trust.
And she hadn't even let him speak.
Jessica appeared at his side, arms crossed, posture casual.
"She's always been dramatic," she said airily, like they were talking about the weather. "I mean, she screamed at you like you did something criminal."
Lucien turned to her slowly. "You kissed me."
Jessica blinked. "Okay? And?"
"And you knew she was watching."
Her smile faltered.
"She was in the woods," Lucien continued, voice low but laced with anger. "You saw her. That's why you did it."
Jessica scoffed, trying to laugh it off. "Come on, Lucien. Don't act like I forced you. You didn't exactly jump away."
"I didn't even know what the hell you were doing. One second you were walking, and the next—" He dragged a hand through his hair. "You're unbelievable."
She stepped closer. "Don't tell me you actually care about that girl."
Lucien's jaw tightened. "Get out of my way."
Jessica didn't move. "She'll get over it. She's not the type to last long in a place like this anyway."
He brushed past her, not saying another word.
---
Camp Dorms – Girls' Room
There was a knock at the door.
Naya stiffened. Nora sat up immediately. "I'll get it."
She opened the door an inch—just enough to see Lucien standing there.
"Is she okay?" he asked, eyes tired, voice softer now.
"She's resting," Nora said coolly.
Lucien hesitated. "Can I talk to her?"
"No."
That surprised him.
"She doesn't want to talk right now," Nora added, more gently this time. "Especially not to you."
He exhaled slowly and nodded. "Okay. Just… tell her I'm sorry."
"She saw, you know," Nora said before closing the door. "She saw everything."
The door clicked shut.
Inside, Naya turned her face toward the wall, blinking back new tears.