Eliza's pov
As I stepped downstairs, the quiet of the early morning made each of my footsteps sound louder than usual, echoing in the hall. I smoothed my dress, gathering myself, only to stop short as I reached the bottom step.
Cavin was there, just inside the lounge, looking a little worse for wear. His red, tired eyes, shadowed with dark circles, spoke of a night without rest. He glanced up at me, his gaze catching mine in a way that made my pulse jump. There was something in his eyes that felt like an apology, an unspoken weight between us.
I looked away, willing myself to ignore him. Just then, my mother, Noya, appeared, catching sight of him. "Cavin, come join us for breakfast," she said with a bright smile, waving him over to the dining room.
"Of course, Noya," he repli
