Leon had barely turned the corner when he heard the sharp sound of someone calling his name — not angrily, not urgently, just firm. Familiar.
"Kalen."
Leon stopped.
Kalen slowed when he reached him, breath slightly uneven. "I've been looking for you."
Leon looked away. "You should be with her."
"I was," Kalen said. "She's okay. She woke up."
Leon's jaw clenched at the reminder. "I know."
"I heard what happened." Kalen's voice softened. "What she said — or didn't say."
Leon didn't respond.
Kalen stepped forward. "She didn't mean it like that."
Leon laughed once, dry. "No? Because it felt like I was invisible."
"She just woke up, Leon. Her memories are back, but her heart hasn't caught up yet."
Leon turned to him slowly. "Do you think I care about being chosen?"
Kalen raised a brow. "Don't you?"
Leon's mouth twitched — but instead of answering, he sighed. "I didn't expect it to hurt this much."
Kalen gave a faint smile. "Then go talk to her."
"And say what?" Leon asked, voice quieter now. "That I played God while she slept? That I took her blood and confirmed what she didn't even know yet?"
"She'll understand."
"She was furious."
Kalen paused. "She was scared. We all were. But that doesn't mean she wants you gone."
Leon looked at him for a long moment. "And if she does?"
Kalen's expression turned steady. "Then you'll let her tell you that to your face — not guess it in a hallway."
Leon didn't reply. But after a beat, he turned and walked back.
Meanwhile, inside the room, Ayla sat up straighter in the bed, her IV line still tugging gently at her wrist. She was quiet, hands folded on her lap.
Damien was beside her, as always.
Viper stood near the window, arms crossed.
Jean had returned with Elise, a tray in her hands, though the food inside had long gone cold.
Ayla's gaze lingered on the door.
"I want to talk to him," she finally said.
No one asked who.
They already knew.
There was a long pause, then Damien stood up first.
"I'll wait outside," he said. His voice was calm, his expression unreadable, but something behind his eyes burned with something deeper — a goodbye, maybe. Or a warning to the man he knew was coming.
Viper said nothing, just patted her leg and followed.
Jean sighed softly and touched her shoulder before stepping out behind them. Elise hesitated the longest, placing the food gently on the side table.
"I'm proud of you," she said softly, brushing Ayla's cheek with a mother's warmth. "No matter what happens, remember that."
Then she, too, left.
The room was quiet.
Ayla's fingers tangled in the blanket. Her chest rose, then fell.
Then the door creaked open.
Leon stepped in.
His footsteps were slower now — not hesitant, but careful. Like he was walking across ice and knew one wrong word could send them both under.
She looked up.
Their eyes met for the first time.
Everything else faded.