The room was dimly lit, the only illumination spilling in from the half-closed blinds, casting slanted shadows against the walls. The silence was thick, punctuated only by the rhythmic sound of Zara's breathing and the occasional distant murmur of the city beyond the window.
Winter hadn't moved from his spot near the door. He sat in the rickety chair, hands loosely clasped in his lap, body heavy with exhaustion but too tense to give in to rest. His mind refused to quiet. Adrian's words still echoed in his skull, looping like a broken record.
They won't stop.
He exhaled, rubbing a hand over his face. He had known this wouldn't be easy, but
A small rustle made him glance up.
Zara stirred.
For a moment, she remained still, her expression twisted with residual exhaustion, brows furrowing as if she were trying to piece together where she was. The disorientation was brief, fading as her gaze settled on Leo still curled against her side.
