The knock never came. The door just opened.
I didn’t even realize I was holding my breath until Sage stepped inside.
She froze halfway in, eyes darting between Alaric on the couch and Tyler standing stiffly near the door like some kind of guard dog. The room grew heavier instantly, a thick tension that made my chest tighten. She looked confused—hurt even, like we’d all conspired to leave her out.
And maybe, in some way, we had.
“Elara…” Her voice broke softly as she crossed the room in three quick steps. She threw her arms around me before I could react, squeezing me tight, like she was afraid I’d vanish if she let go. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. I don’t know what came over me. I never meant what I said, I swear. I never thought any of that, and I still don’t.”
I stiffened against her e
