Blaze stood in front of the mirror, the cool surface reflecting the storm brewing inside him. He methodically rolled up the sleeves of his black button-down shirt, his fingers moving with a precision that belied the turmoil in his chest. The black fabric felt like a second skin, tight and suffocating, as if the very clothes he wore were trying to hold him together.
He dusted off his black pants, though there was nothing to clean. The action was more of a distraction, something to keep his hands busy while his mind raced. His heart was pounding, each beat echoing in his ears as he tried to steady himself. Today wasn’t just another day. It was Seraphina’s birthday, and despite everything, he couldn’t shake the feeling that tonight would be pivotal.
The familiar scent of his cologne filled
