Serena
It was supposed to be a morning of peace. I woke with the memory of laughter still echoing in my ears. The night before had been… surreal. Beautiful, even. I hadn’t let myself feel too much, but for a few brief hours, it felt like maybe just maybe things were starting to heal.
Ari had danced until he collapsed in my arms, cheeks pink and hair damp with sweat. Ma had carried him to bed while Kael and I shared a brief, awkward goodnight.
I didn’t sleep much.
Too many eyes had been on us last night.
Too many shadows lingering in corners where light didn’t reach.
But I didn’t expect to wake and find the sun already high in the sky and Ari still asleep.
I knocked on his bedroom door lightly.
No answer.
“Ari?” I called, nudging it open.
He was curled under his wolf blanket, one
