Night returned softly, not like an intrusion this time, but a permission.The lattice dimmed its active harmonics after curfew, never silent, never distant, but gentle enough that the ache behind my eyes finally eased. I stood at the wide windows of my quarters, watching reflected city-light braid itself with stars, the glass cool beneath my fingertips.I hadn’t realized how tightly I’d been holding myself together until the tension finally loosened.Behind me, the door sealed.Kael was first. He didn’t speak, didn't need to. I felt him the way I always did, like gravity shifting subtly in the room. His presence wrapped in heat and control barely restrained, sword laid aside but not forgotten.Then Silas, quieter, footsteps almost soundless despite the weight he carried with him, care, precision, the kind of attentiveness that saw too much and never pretended otherwise.Ren followed, energy restless even at rest, a smile teasing at his mouth that didn’t quite mask the relief in his ey
Last Updated : 2025-12-03 Read more