Things began to feel almost normal again in the weeks following Celeste’s awakening. Victoria quit the diner, moving in with Silas and throwing herself into helping him with his work and council duties. She found it more rewarding than serving pancakes to regulars, and the change seemed to suit her.
Silas kept to his habits, long days filled with paperwork, meetings, and strategy, but he never failed to check in on Celeste. He worked at easing down the walls she kept so firmly in place, careful, patient, steady.
Celeste herself lingered somewhere in between. The bond she shared with Silas grew stronger with each passing day, but it frightened her. Some days she let herself lean into it, finding comfort in the sparks, the security. Other days, she pulled away, fearing the sting of heartbr
