Evaline:
I didn't even realize I was moving until I felt the soft fibers of Kieran's sweater against my fingertips.
My gaze was fixed on River, who was now nearly done peeling the gift wrap off the small rectangular box in his hands. Panic crept into my chest as if every layer of that wrap was a protective shield, and with each one being stripped away, I was being exposed.
Why did I even buy that book?
The wrapping fell away completely, revealing the smooth black box. Kieran shifted beside me, glancing at my hand now clutched at his side, his brow quirking slightly in confusion.
I quickly shook my head, pleading silently for him not to say anything. To his credit, he didn't, though one of his hands came down and gently covered mine. Normally, that small gesture would have distracted me... but right now, I was too focused on the time bomb in River's hands.
River lifted the lid and looked inside.
And just like that, his entire face froze.
