The afternoon sun hung high over the mansion grounds, bathing the gardens in soft golden light. The tall hedges swayed gently in the breeze, and somewhere near the fountain a bird chirped lazily.
Inside the house, everything felt calm.
Too calm.
The kind of calm that only existed before something shifted.
In the living room, Aiden had completely taken over the couch.
Blanket.
Pillow.
Half-empty mug of coffee on the table.
He looked like someone who had no intention of moving for the next three hours.
Noah stood near the bookshelf watching him.
"You're abusing your recovery privileges."
Aiden didn't look up from the movie.
"You're the one who declared me injured."
"I said sore."
"Same thing."
Noah crossed his arms.
"You're exaggerating."
Aiden turned his head slowly.
"Try walking after what you did."
Noah looked away immediately.
"…point taken."
Aiden smirked and stretched again.
A mistake.
His body protested immediately.
