Windsor's POV
Pauline fell silent after her confession. I wanted to press for more details about Logan, about what they meant to each other now, but her fidgeting hands and averted gaze warned me off. Pushing would only make her withdraw completely. She had already shared more than I expected.
The revelation left a hollow ache in my chest. Mates should bring joy, not secrets and pain. I had hoped Pauline would escape the complicated fate that seemed to plague so many of us. In our brief friendship, I had discovered her gentle nature, free from the sharp edges that defined most people in our world.
We let the topic die, and I respected her need for silence. She would talk when ready.
During third period, I was absorbed in a textbook about inter-pack politics when the announcement crackled through the overhead speakers.
"All students report to the assembly hall immediately."
