Not Ever Again

Vyan stepped into his dimly lit bedroom, shutting the door behind him with a sigh that carried the weight of the entire day. His body ached—not from physical exhaustion but from the endless mental strain of keeping Althea in the dark.

"Where have you been?" Iyana's voice was soft but laced with quiet concern. She stood near the window, arms loosely crossed, the faint glow of the moon outlining her figure. "I've been waiting for you."

He ran a tired hand through his hair. "I was with Thea the entire day. Keeping her distracted. Making sure no one told her anything about Clyde." He exhaled sharply, as if finally setting down a burden.

Iyana's expression softened, and she stepped forward, her sadness visible in the way her lips pressed together. Without a word, she placed her hands on his shoulders and guided him gently to sit on the edge of the bed. Her touch was steady, grounding, and he let himself sink into it.