[Ovelia's POV]
Ann's sudden shove sent me stumbling forward before I could react. My boots scraped against the rough ground, my arms pinwheeling. I caught my balance just before I face-planted into the dirt, but the damage was done—I was now standing directly in front of Ray, close enough to count the silver strands in his fur, close enough to see the way his orange eyes flickered with surprise and then amusement.
Why, Ann? Why?
The answer was obvious. She'd noticed. Of course she'd noticed. The way my gaze kept drifting toward Ray's striking silver-and-orange fur, the way I'd been stealing glances when I thought no one was looking. My fascination was apparently far less subtle than I'd believed.
My face went hot. My fingers instinctively brushed against my dress pocket, checking for the fairy's tiny form. The faint flutter against my fingertips reassured me—he remained undisturbed, still sleeping, still safe. At least one of us was oblivious to my humiliation.
