88. Curiosity at First Sight
Candace
As I was returning to my room after my conversation with Derian, my mother stopped me in the dark hallway.
“Candace.”
For a moment, I jumped at the sight of her emerging from the shadows. I couldn’t help but let out a small gasp and place my hands on my chest.
“Ah! Mom… you scared me.”
Her face formed a faint smile, but there was no joy in it—only concern.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to.”
Her voice was soft, almost trembling.
“But it’s been several days since Derian moved in with us… and even though at first I thought I was imagining things, I now realize I wasn’t wrong.
What’s going on between you two? Aren’t you going to tell me anything?”
Her voice broke at the end of the question, as if the weight of her intuition hurt more than any answer I co
