14

As we arrived back at the house, Cassy burst out. Her usual exuberance dimmed when she caught sight of our somber procession. I softly told her, "Not now, Cassy. Please, give us some time?" Her eyes drifted to Kael, leaning against Ky's truck, utterly defeated, head tilted skyward as he covered his eyes with his hands, taking deep, labored breaths.

Perhaps seeking solace or normalcy, Knox wrapped his arm around my shoulders. But the touch felt wrong at the moment, too much when everything else was so raw. I shrugged it off and saw the hurt flash across his face.

"Don't overthink it, Knox... just... not now, okay?" I whispered, my voice barely audible.

From the corner of my eye, I noticed Kael watching our interaction, peeking out from under his hand. His presence, consistently strong and commanding, now seemed fragile, on the verge of shattering.

Knox sighed. "Yeah, I get it. Squeaky wheel and all..." He began to walk away, but in a blur of motion, Kael was suddenly on him, pinning hi