Chapter 320: Cockroaches (Katelyn's POV)

(Katelyn's POV)

There was always something about Ryder... Some undeniable connection I felt with him that ran deeper than words. It was like we were tethered together by some invisible string of shared experiences.

It was different with Tyler, not less, just... different. Tyler was my anchor, my certainty. But Ryder? Ryder was the reflection of all the chaos I carried inside. They were the balance in my life.

Tyler was my always and forever and Ryder was my one in a million. The same, but different.

I rolled over to face him, sighing deeply. My mind was racing with too many things... The Elders, the coffee cup, and the associated fears that simmered just beneath the surface.

"You good?" he asked softly, glancing over at me. He probably sensed the waves of dread that rolled off of me.

I shrugged. "I mean, I guess as good as can be expected under the circumstances. I'm still trying to come to terms with the possibility that I might be blowing up coffee mugs in front of The Elders, you k