EDEN
Hayden's brow knits together.
"What are you talking about?" His voice is low and laced with a hint of warning.
Astrid's smile doesn't falter. If anything, it grows sweeter and wider. It’s the kind of smile only the winner of a game slips on.
"I was going to tell you later," she says softly, "in private. But... well, it can't wait now, can it?" Her gaze darts to me for a second—long enough to make sure I'm watching—before returning to him. "You deserve to know first."
She reaches into her trench coat and pulls out a slim white envelope. She holds it out to him.
Hayden doesn't move to take it.
Astrid tilts her head, patient. "Go on, darling. Open it."
I barely hear the soft rustle of paper as Hayden finally reaches out and takes the envelope. His fingers are steady, but I can se
