The scene never made it into the book.
Not because it wasn’t good…. Because sometimes authors must reluctantly admit pacing exists.
Unfortunately.
The rain had finally stopped.
Rowan Grove smelled like wet earth and pine.
Griffin sat on the porch steps. For once, he wasn’t thinking…. Or trying not to think.
Elara appeared beside him carrying two mugs.
“You look troubled.”
“I am troubled.”
“By what?”
He accepted the mug. “Everything.”
She nodded.
Reasonable answer.
The silence that followed felt comfortable. Strangely comfortable. Dangerously comfortable… The kind that sneaks up on people. The kind that becomes attachment before anyone notices.
Griffin glanced sideways. Elara was staring at the trees. The wind caught a strand of dark hair. She tucked it behind her ear.
And suddenly he understood something terrifying.
Home wasn’t a place anymore. It was a person.
That line survived. The scene didn’t.
And just so you know… Writers make difficult sacrifices. And they hurt us dearly…
Love this book? You can grab it directly from my website or through my Amazon author page. When you purchase from my website, a larger portion of the sale goes directly to supporting my writing, allowing me to create more stories, mental health resources, and magical guides without relying on algorithms or advertising. You’ll also find exclusive bonuses, free reader gifts, and occasional special offers that aren’t always available elsewhere. If Amazon is your preferred bookstore, that’s perfectly fine too. Either way, thank you for supporting an independent author who spends an unreasonable amount of time talking to fictional people and turning it into books.
Sonia M. Rompoti, MSc, Bsc 
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