MARIA POV
The apartment was unusually quiet for a Saturday evening. Too quiet.
I was curled up on the living room couch in my favorite spot, tucked into the corner with my knees up, wrapped in one of Henry’s oversized jerseys. His scent clung to the cotton—clean, warm, and a little like sandalwood and musk—and it made me feel wrapped in more than just fabric. Dax’s sweatpants hung low on my hips, too big for me, but comfortable. Cozy. Safe.
The pendant was cool between my fingers, the smooth silver band warming slowly from my touch, the turquoise center catching the light each time I twisted it. I couldn’t stop playing with it. My thumb rubbed the engraved initials—H on one side, D on the other. It had been a surprise gift, one they’d placed around my neck after dinner a few nights ago.
