NOELLE
I spin around so fast the towel almost comes loose. Azren is leaning heavily against the hallway wall, barefoot and shirtless. His hair is a mess, dipping over his forehead, and his eyes are still heavy with exhaustion. One hand braces against the wall like it's the only thing holding him upright.
But he's awake. And he's... staring at me. Then his gaze slowly drifts downward. To the washing machine.
Azren blinks slowly.
"...Why," he rasps hoarsely, "are you doing laundry in the middle of the night... wearing nothing but a towel?"
My brain completely shuts down.
"I—"
Excellent start.
"I was—"
Fantastic.
"I mean—"
Perfect.
Azren squints slightly. Then he furrows his brow.
His nostrils flare faintly. And I realize with absolute horror that he's scenting the air. Eventuall
