XYRA
My heart pounded in my chest as I met Astor's gaze. The streetlights lit some of the obscuring concern that was written on his face.
"I need to talk about what happened..." I started, then faltered. Where to even begin?
Astor reached out, his hand hovering near mine for a moment before gently resting on top. "Whatever it is, Xyra," he said, his voice warm and reassuring, "we can talk about it."
I took a deep breath, gathering my courage. "It's about...everything," I confessed, my voice barely above a whisper. "The case, Clara, and..." I hesitated, unable to meet his gaze, "us."
His hand tightened around mine. "Okay," he said softly, "tell me what's on your mind."
I poured out my thoughts.
Astor listened patiently, his gaze unwavering. When I finally finished, a heavy silence de
