Liam was just about to leave his room and look for a spare room for Lana when he paused mid-step. He could feel it—her hesitation. She was standing near his bed, eyes downcast, fidgeting with her fingers like she wanted to say something but couldn't find the words.
He turned to her slowly, his voice soft. "What is it?" he asked.
Lana's lips parted, but no sound came out at first. She shifted awkwardly, clearly nervous. Finally, she took a breath and stammered, "C-Can I… sleep here? In your room…?"
Liam raised an eyebrow in surprise. His blue eyes studied her carefully. She couldn't even look at him directly.
But then it clicked.
She didn't want to be alone.
After everything that had just happened—being attacked in her own home, nearly disfigured by acid—Lana didn't want to be away from him. She needed to feel safe.
He gave her a small nod and a gentle smile. "Of course," he said. "I don't mind at all."
Don't mind? That was an understatement.
