Thaddeus's eyes blinked open, slowly adjusting to the soft light pouring into the room. But instead of the calm morning silence he expected, his gaze landed on something or, rather, someone that made his breath catch.
Rassel.
She stood frozen at the doorway, her mouth agape in complete shock, eyes wide as if she'd just seen a ghost. Her hand clutched the doorframe for support, visibly trembling as the sight before her hit her all at once, her brother, lying in bed with Kayden, both unclothed, tangled together under the sheets in an embrace that left little to the imagination.
Her lips moved soundlessly at first, unable to form words. Her chest rose and fell in panic, and for a moment, it seemed like she might faint.
"Rassel," Thaddeus said, his voice low but commanding, careful not to wake the sleeping figure curled against him. "Go downstairs. I'll come talk to you."
She didn't move. Still staring. Still speechless.