The name fell from my lips in shock and confusion, my brain struggling to make sense of what my eyes were seeing. Duke stood in the doorway with his pale curly hair falling across his forehead, his grey eyes sharp behind those square shaped glasses he always wore. He cocked his head at me, assessing me with those grey eyes and then nodded at Cassien, a brief acknowledgment that earned a low grunt in response. I did the same thing, assessed him right back, not quite believing what I was seeing or hearing. Duke. Here. In the Black Rose base like he belonged here, like this...was normal."I have so many questions," I said slowly, each word careful and measured.Both corners of his lips turned up in a smug smile. "Sure you do."Cassien's hand fell on my lower back, grounding me as Duke and I stared at each other. Past memories taunted between us, flashes of the academy, of late nights in the library where he'd worked, of training sessions where he'd always been just a little too observan
 Last Updated : 2025-10-30
Last Updated : 2025-10-30