Thea let out a soft, excited giggle that surprised even her. It rose from her chest before she could stop it, light and genuine, the sound of someone who had finally stepped into fresh air after being locked in a suffocating room for too long.
Without hesitation, she moved forward, passing straight between Osita and Natalia.
Her shoulder brushed Osita’s arm as she went by.
It was not accidental.
She felt his body stiffen at the contact, felt the sudden tension that ran through him as he turned to follow her movement in disbelief.
For years, he had been the center of her awareness. Every step, every reaction, had once revolved around him.
Now, she did not even spare him a glance.
Thea walked straight to Henry.
She wrapped her arms around him in a warm, unguarded hug. It was not d
