Morning came too soon.
Cassian hadn't slept. Not really. Every time he'd closed his eyes, he'd seen Lucian's face in the moonlight calm, smiling, terrifying. Felt the ghost of that forehead kiss like a brand. Heard the whisper: "You don't know how fucked up the shit I'll do to you all."
He'd tossed and turned until his sheets were tangled, his hair a mess, his mind racing in circles. He knew he should tell them. About the photo. About the balcony. About Room 73. But every time he imagined their faces Leonel's fury, Aiden's hurt he choked on the words.
What if they think I'm hiding something? What if they think I still have feelings for him?
So he stayed in bed, staring at the ceiling, pretending sleep was possible.
Then knock knock.
"Cassian?" Leonel's voice came through the door, low but alert. "It's been forever. You not awake yet?"
Cassian scrambled, voice thick with forced sleepiness. "Just… six more minutes! I'll be there!"
