Emily's POV
Zariah had already left, her soft footsteps fading into the hallway, leaving the air strangely heavier now that it was just the two of us.
Night had settled over the place, casting everything in that soft, bluish darkness that made the shadows stretch longer than they should. A faint breeze came in from the open window, carrying with it the smell of pine and damp earth. I sat on the edge of the bed, my fingers absently twisting the blanket, aware of Dalton standing a few feet away — still, silent, like he was waiting for something.
I cleared my throat, because the silence was suffocating.
“How did you even meet someone as wonderful as Zariah?” I asked, trying to sound casual but also genuinely curious.
His eyes flicked toward me. “Zariah?”
I nodded.
A faint smile tugged
