Vanessa's P.O.V
The morning after Sage Nolan's visit, the house smelled of wet earth and old wood. Adrien had opened the windows to let the night's air in, as if fresh air could sweep away what had clawed at me the night before. The cool breeze carried with it the scent of rain-drenched soil, mingling with the faint must of the timbers, whispering reminders of how long the house had stood as silent witness to struggles, triumphs, and secrets. I sat on the edge of the bed with my knees drawn up, arms loosely wrapped around them. The ceramic mug Adrien had left for me sat on the bedside table, steam still curling upward in soft wisps. I found myself staring at it as though the swirling heat might form answers to the questions clawing through my mind.
Adrien had stayed until dawn. He'd refu
