Chapter 57

Chapter 57
The bell above the coffee shop door jingled softly as Clara stepped inside. The familiar scent of roasted beans, vanilla, and sugar wrapped around her like a comforting hug. It had been days since she’d spent real time in the shop, and guilt pricked at her as she glanced around. Everything was in order—her staff had kept things running smoothly—but still, it felt like she had neglected a part of herself.

“Clara!”

The cheerful voice made her turn just as June bounded out from behind the counter, apron dusted with flour, curls tied up in a messy bun. Clara barely had time to brace before her best friend threw her arms around her.

“It’s been forever,” June said dramatically, squeezing her tight. “What, did you run off to join some secret society without telling me?”

Clara laughed, hugging her back. “Something like that. I’ve just… had a lot going on. I’m sorry I haven’t been around much.”

June pulled back, her expression softening as she studied Clara. “Don’t apologize. I’m just glad to see you. Though…” she tilted her head, giving Clara a pointed look, “…you look different. Happier. But also tired. Spill. What’s going on?”

Clara hesitated, biting her lip. She wanted to tell June everything—to unload the truth about Rowan, about the forest, about the danger that lurked at the edges of town—but she couldn’t. Not yet. Not until she was sure June wouldn’t be put at risk because of it.

“I’ve just been… distracted,” Clara said carefully. “Trying to figure things out, you know?”

June arched a brow but didn’t press. Instead, she linked her arm through Clara’s and tugged her toward the counter. “Well, while you’ve been off figuring things out, things here have been… weird.”

“Weird how?” Clara asked, sliding onto one of the stools.

June leaned against the counter, lowering her voice as if sharing a juicy secret. “New people in town. A group of them. No one really knows where they came from. They’ve been renting cabins near the edge of the woods, and they keep to themselves. Some of the locals say they’ve been asking strange questions about the forest.”

Clara’s stomach tightened, her mind immediately leaping to rogues, to the threats Rowan had warned her about. “Strange questions?” she asked carefully.

“About trails, the history of the town, even about the old legends.” June rolled her eyes. “I figured they’re just bored city people trying to make their camping trip sound mysterious. But still—it’s not every day strangers pop up out of nowhere. And honestly?” She shivered. “Something about them gives me the creeps.”

Clara forced a smile, though unease rippled through her. “I’m sure it’s nothing,” she said, though the words tasted false on her tongue.

June narrowed her eyes at her. “Uh-huh. You’ve got that look. The one that says you know more than you’re telling me.”

Clara laughed it off, trying to ease the tension. “Maybe I’m just out of practice at keeping secrets.”

June grinned. “Then you’ll tell me everything over wine tonight. Deal?”

Clara smiled, but her mind was far from wine and laughter. If there really were new people in town poking around the forest, she needed to tell Rowan. And soon.