Kaia's heart pounded as she fled, her steps erratic and her breath coming in desperate gasps. She didn't know where she was going, only that she needed to escape the overwhelming emotions. Her thoughts were a whirlwind of confusion and fear, and her vision blurred with unshed tears. When Markus touched her, she felt her entire being becoming still in panic. Except for touching Asher this week, she didn’t have physical interactions for years.
Behind her, Markus pursued, his long strides effortlessly closing the distance between them. He called her name softly, trying not to startle her further, but Kaia's panic was too great. She pushed forward, determined to put as much space between them as possible.
Just as she thought she might succeed, Markus appeared before her, having taken a short
