STELLA
Silence followed James’s words like a held breath.
That’s exactly what I do.
Arthur didn’t move. Neither did James.
And I was suddenly very aware of how small the room felt, how the air pressed heavy against my lungs like it expected something violent to happen.
James turned slightly, positioning himself,not fully in front of me, but close enough that I could feel the heat of him.
“You don’t get to decide someone’s freedom,” Arthur said evenly.
James tilted his head, studying him the way one might study a flawed equation. “You walked into my house uninvited,” he replied. “And you’re still standing. Be grateful.”
Arthur’s gaze flicked to me again. “Stella, look at me.”
My eyes darted to him slowly.James held my chin, taking my eyes away.
“You've over used your privilege, I'
