Adrian's departure left behind a silence so thick it clung to the air like fog, suffocating and heavy.
Zara exhaled, forcing herself to breathe past the tightness in her ribs. Exhaustion was heavy on her like a chain, wrapping around her limbs, sinking into her bones. But even as fatigue threatened to pull her under, her grip on the blanket remained firm, her fingers curled around the fabric like a lifeline.
Leo was still pressed against her, his small body warm and trusting. He watched them both with wide, unblinking eyes, his tiny hands gripping the front of her shirt as if afraid she'd vanish.
At the foot of the bed, Winter stood rigid, his gaze locked on the door, as if expecting Adrian to return at any second. His jaw was tight, shoulders wound with tension, but it was the fury burning behind his eyes that sent a shiver down her spine.
Sam broke the silence first, exhaling a tired sigh. "Well, that went well."
