YELENA
I moved closer, my arms were already lifting, but he stopped me with a hand to my chest.
“You shouldn’t hug me like this.”
I blinked. “Like what?”
He looked down at himself. “I’m sweaty. I need to freshen up first. I don’t want to stain your dress.”
I laughed softly. “You can stain it. I’ll just change into your sister’s clothes.” I said it without shame. I always did.
His lips twitched, but his eyes didn’t. “Her clothes aren’t here anymore.”
“Oh,” I said. “Then I guess I’ll just stay like this.”
“No,” he said gently, guiding me forward. “Let me shower.”
“Okay,” I agreed easily.
He led me into his room. The lights were off. The air felt… heavy and thick. My steps slowed on their own.
And then I saw it.
A shadow.
Not his. Not mine.
A shape, tall and still, standing clos
