Ruby's POV
After the naming talk, Jake left me alone on the terrace.
He didn’t slam the door or raise his voice. He didn’t correct me or issue some soft-spoken threat disguised as affection.
He just kissed the top of my head like we were in love.
Like I hadn’t just challenged the narrative he built brick by brick.
And then he walked away, humming to himself.
That was worse.
Because when Jake got quiet, it meant he was recalculating.
Adjusting the mask.
I sat on the bench a while longer, the cold from the stone creeping through my robe. The garden lights had dimmed to a low golden hue, barely lighting the hedges. Everything felt too still, like the house was holding its breath.
The naming conversation replayed in my head in pieces, not in words but in weight.
Kyria. Adira. Valer
