Why?

Atticus might not have been very attentive when it came to how the people around him were feeling—just like when he hadn't known how Nate and the other Ravenstein first years had been feeling.

But since then, he had made it necessary and important to make sure that didn't happen anymore. He was aware of all the subtle changes in Aurora's expressions, the way her fists clenched, and the determined gaze she directed at him.

Her admitting it back in the caves during the competition only served to prove his observations. But at the end of the day, it was her battle to fight.

The only thing he could do was cheer her on.

Atticus felt Aurora nod her head subtly against his chest before leaving the hug after a few seconds and turning away from him.

Before Atticus could turn and say something, another figure rushed in, enveloping him in an even tighter hug.

This one slightly shocked Atticus, but not only him—Zoey's gaze darkened slightly.