I stared at him like I’d just been slapped. “You think I need a psychologist?” I asked, my voice low. Kael didn’t flinch. “I think you need someone to talk to. Someone who isn’t me.” The words weren’t even cruel, he wasn’t mocking me or trying to shut me down. That almost made it worse. It was the sincerity in his tone that stung the most. Like he genuinely believed I was unraveling. “I’m not losing it,” I said sharply, pulling my hand from his. “I know what I saw.” Kael’s face was calm, but his jaw was firm . “I didn’t say you’re losing it. I’m saying maybe all of this is getting to you.” “Don’t do that,” I snapped. “Don’t make this about stress or paranoia or whatever other label makes it easier for you to ignore that something is *wrong*, Kael. I saw someone watching us. Hooded. S

