Daniel’s pov
The scent of lemon and pine filled the kitchen, a sharp contrast to the nerves brewing within me. Beauty was scrubbing the already spotless countertops, her movements robotic, almost desperate. I leaned against the doorway, watching her. The late afternoon sun streamed through the window, catching the dust motes dancing in the air, but failing to illuminate the darkness in her eyes.
"Everything alright, Beauty?" I asked, keeping my voice gentle.
She jumped, a tiny flinch that betrayed her composure. "Fine," she chirped, too quickly, too brightly. Her smile didn't reach her eyes, those beautiful, usually vibrant eyes that now held swirling lines of worry. "Just... cleaning."
"Right." I pushed off the doorframe, stepping closer. "You seem a little…tense. Something on your m
