Orifiel stood near the hospital entrance, arms crossed tightly over his chest as the cold night air brushed against his skin. His thoughts were still tangled, stuck in the words Erelah had said earlier. I like you. The confession replayed over and over in his head, refusing to settle.
He hadn’t expected it. Not from her. Not now. Not when everything else already felt like it was on the verge of collapse.
When he finally spotted the familiar hooded figure standing a few feet away, his attention snapped back to the present. “Why are you here?” Orifiel asked, his voice sharp with concern. “Are you sick?”
Aniela didn’t answer right away. Slowly, almost reluctantly, she reached up and pulled her hood down.
Orifiel froze.
“Holy s**t…” The words slipped out before he could stop himself. His
