Feeling Him.

Kieran barely registers the world around him as he moves_ fast, almost desperate_ toward his room where Ace lies.

The halls stretch endlessly before him, but he doesn't slow. His pulse is a wild, erratic thing, his breath tight in his chest.

The ritual worked. It had to work. But until he sees Ace_ until he can feel him, hear his voice, know he's still there_ nothing will be real.

He pushes the door open without hesitation when he gets to his room.

And stops.

Ace is awake.

The sight nearly brings Kieran to his knees.

Ace sits on the bed, fingers pressed lightly to his temple, his brows furrowed like he's piecing together a puzzle with missing edges.

His skin is flushed, his breathing slow but uneven.

Then his gaze lifts, and the moment his eyes meet Kieran's, his breath stutters.

Kieran should say something. Should move.

But he doesn't.

"Ace…"

"Kieran…"