Evaline:
The soft glow from the bedside lamp pooled across the room, wrapping everything in a sleepy golden hue. My phone buzzed one last time before I sent a quick reply to Mallory's frantic text - something about Kyros threatening to send a search party if I didn't answer soon.
I'm fine. Just went out somewhere with Kieran.
I hit send, then sighed, leaning forward on the desk, elbows resting on its cool wooden surface. My hair slid down over my shoulders like a silver curtain, pooling beside my arms as I typed one last message.
The underground house was warm and quiet, so quiet that I could hear the faint hum of the washing machine somewhere down the hallway.
The door opened softly behind me. I didn't even need to look to know who it was. His footsteps were calm, measured... the kind that didn't need to announce themselves to be felt.
"You are still awake?" Kieran's voice was low, threaded with that steady calm that could both soothe and unsettle me at the same time.
