Eliza's pov
As I stepped downstairs, the quiet of the early morning made each of my footsteps sound louder than usual, echoing in the hall. I smoothed my dress, gathering myself, only to stop short as I reached the bottom step.
Cavin was there, just inside the lounge, looking a little worse for wear. His red, tired eyes, shadowed with dark circles, spoke of a night without rest. He glanced up at me, his gaze catching mine in a way that made my pulse jump. There was something in his eyes that felt like an apology, an unspoken weight between us.
I looked away, willing myself to ignore him. Just then, my mother, Noya, appeared, catching sight of him. "Cavin, come join us for breakfast," she said with a bright smile, waving him over to the dining room.
"Of course, Noya," he replied smoothly, his voice sounding rougher than usual. He gave me one last look before heading upstairs to freshen up.