Quiet Steps, Louder Thoughts
"Is he asleep?"
A hush fell from Charlotte's lips while her fingers eased the fabric open. Toward the mattress her gaze drifted, that sea-colored stare meeting Julian in slumber - quiet, then warmer. She stayed framed in the dimness, watching him breathe.
Her chin dipped just a bit, eyes tracing his features like they were reading something written there. Then she moved nearer, slow but sure.
"He looks… calmer," she murmured, more to herself than anyone else. "Not making stupid comments for once."
Suddenly, Selene looked her way, pressing one finger against her mouth.
"Shh…" she whispered, her voice soft but firm. "He just fell asleep. Let him rest… he needs it."
For just a moment, her eyes stayed on Julian before shifting back to Charlotte. That glance held protection - not loud, yet impossible to miss.
Out came a soft sigh from Charlotte as she dipped her head once.
