Seraphine noticed the way Jasmine went pale the second Kael's name left her mouth, the color draining from her cheeks like water slipping through open fingers.
She spoke gently, careful not to push too hard. "You can tell me, Jasmine. You know I'm not gonna judge you."
Jasmine broke down at those words. The wall she had built around her heart finally gave way. She sank into a chair in her private studio, her whole body folding in on itself like the weight she had been carrying for so long had finally become too heavy to hold.
Pictures of her covered the walls, glossy shots of her in designer gowns, red hair flowing like fire, eyes fierce and alive. Seraphine found it hard to keep her focus on her friend instead of those pictures. The change was so complete, so stunning, it almost hurt to look at.
"Sera, I only realized after I got here that I never loved anyone the way I love Kael."
"How can you tell?" Seraphine asked carefully, her voice soft and full of quiet care.
