(Isolde's POV)
"Come back to work tomorrow," Orion said.
His voice came through the phone clean and direct. No greeting, no lead-up.
I shifted on the couch and tucked my injured foot under me.
"Mr. Nightshade, my foot still needs time."
"It's been three days."
"The doctor said at least five."
A pause.
"You said I owed you overtime leave," I added. "You promised."
Another pause, longer this time.
"Fine."
The word came out like it cost him something. I almost smiled.
"Thank you, Mr. Nightshade."
I was about to pull the phone away from my ear when he spoke again.
"Is your mate home right now?"
I went still.
The question landed strange. Too casual, too deliberate. Like he'd been holding it back and it slipped out anyway.
My heart knocked once, hard.
I looked at the empty apar
