Evangeline’s POV:
"Alright, kiddos, wanna have lunch?" Zoey's cheerful voice cut through the air, full of warmth as she smiled and finally managed to wrestle Orion into a fresh shirt.
Both of the twins turned at the same time to look at me, their little faces brightening with innocent anticipation.
I sat there stiffly, my fingers plucking nervously at the hem of the soft cotton dress I wore.
It was comfortable — yet somehow I still felt exposed in it, vulnerable in a way that had nothing to do with clothing and everything to do with the unfamiliar tightness in my chest.
I swallowed, wetting my cracked lips before speaking in a hoarse whisper, "Can you... bring the lunch here?"
The words felt heavy, as if admitting them somehow made my fears more real.
I wasn't ready to face Orion.
