Chapter 21
The Morning of the Visit – Home, Master Bedroom Nadyia stood in front of the mirror, brushing her hair in slow, even strokes. Her reflection didn’t waver. She’d chosen her outfit with care: clean lines, soft but strong. No black. No symbols of mourning. She wasn’t grieving today. She was reclaiming. Behind her, Noah sat on the edge of the bed, lacing his boots. He hadn’t said much yet. But the silence wasn’t tension it was focus. Still water before a necessary storm. “I couldn’t sleep much,” she said quietly. Noah looked up. “Me either. You want to back out?” She met his eyes in the mirror. “No. I think I want it more now.” He stood and crossed the room, resting his hands on her shoulders. She stilled under his touch not because she was afraid, but because his calm was hers, too.
- Writer
