The rustle of leaves outside the window blended with the gentle, steady beat of my pulse as I awoke to the sound of whispering winds. Even though the music was familiar, it felt... strange tonight. darker. more pressing.
The room was filled with long, pale shadows as the moonlight streamed through the curtains. I wiped my eyes and blinked, attempting to get rid of the sleepiness. However, as I looked at the clock, it didn't seem to matter what hour it was—too early or too late.
Something had changed.
I glanced over and saw Kael standing close to the window, his back to me, his posture stiff. Hours had passed while he watched and waited. Even without seeing, I could sense the weight of his presence. I always felt like I was being pulled in, pulled apart, and left defenseless by the force
