Soren’s POV
The sound of the door closing behind Noah echoed longer than it should have. The air felt heavy, like the walls themselves had heard every word. I stood there for a moment, watching the faint tremor in Adrian’s shoulders. He was still facing the window, his reflection framed by the city lights.
“You brought him here,” I said quietly. “Into my home.”
Adrian turned slowly, eyes tired. “He just wanted to make sure I was okay.”
“He shouldn’t be here at all,” I replied, my voice sharper than I intended. “You know what my father will do if he finds out someone’s meddling in this mess.”
He crossed his arms. “Maybe I don’t care anymore, Soren. Maybe I’m done trying to survive in your world.”
I moved closer, feeling that familiar burn of frustration twist into something darker. “Y
