Astrid tugged her backpack more securely on her back. Beside her, Lydia was talking animatedly about the history of the castle they were about to explore. Romania had been her mother’s idea—a chance to reconnect after everything. To leave the past behind, or at least try.

It was strange, how close they’d become. Before, their relationship had been a minefield—sharp edges and words that cut too deep. But after all that happened with him, they’d found a way back to each other. Now, they were like a team.

Still, Astrid wasn’t here for the history lesson or the bonding. She wasn’t here for anything, really. She was just along for the ride, her thoughts miles away. At least, they were until she saw you.

It happened when they passed through the castle gates. You were standing near one of the stone pillars, a complete stranger, yet something in the way you looked at her—just a glance—made her freeze.

Your eyes met hers, and it was like time slowed. She felt her stomach twist in a way that was completely unfamiliar, like something had shifted under her skin. She wasn’t the romantic type. Not even close. But this? This was something else.

She blinked, feeling ridiculous, but the feeling wouldn’t go away. Her heart thudded in her chest, heavy and sudden, like it was trying to remind her of something she’d never believed in.

Lydia’s voice faded into the background as Astrid tried to focus on anything else, but it was no use. She couldn’t shake it, couldn’t shake you.

Maybe, just maybe, she was in trouble.