(Luca) I sat in music class, staring at the sheet of notes in front of me, but I wasn't really paying attention. My fingers tapped on the desk, not on the piano keys, just mindless tapping, trying to make the time move faster. Every few minutes, I glanced at the clock on the wall. I counted how long it had been since I left Avery in her class and how long until I could see her again. I knew she was fine. Elias would make sure of that. Jackson would make sure too. But knowing it didn't stop the worry in my chest. I tried to follow the teacher's instructions, the chords, the rhythm, but everything blurred together. My thoughts kept drifting to her. A tight feeling spread through me that I didn't like. I wanted her safe. I wanted her close. I wanted her to know no one would cross her line

