**Valeblack's POV — Two Weeks Later**
The apartment was a tomb.
Valeblack sat at his desk staring at Mira's number, knowing he couldn't call. Every conversation was a risk. Every text could be used against her if Elder Thorne found out.
The court order had been clear: separate residence. No cohabitation. Minimal contact.
Patricia Morrison had been blunt: "If they catch you two together, even just having coffee, Elder Thorne will file for emergency custody. Don't give him ammunition."
So they'd become strangers. Messages through Patricia. Updates about Brielle through Kieran. A relationship reduced to legal distance.
His phone buzzed. Kieran.
*Brielle asked about you today. Wanted to know when she could see you again. I didn't know what to tell her.*
Valeblack star
