The car rolls into the Kael mansion, tires crunching softly against the gravel. I lean back in the seat, eyes closed, exhaustion weighing down my limbs. When the guards open the door, cool night air brushes my face, pulling me half-awake.
I slowly open my eyes.
The cake bags rest beside me—proof of a night spent laughing, choosing flavors, and forgetting, just for a while, that this world is cruel. Deniz and I had fun. Real fun.
I step out of the car and reach for the bags myself.
"Good evening, Young Master," the servants greet in perfect unison.
One of them moves forward to take the bags from my hands.
"No need," I say gently.
They freeze, then bow again.
I glance at my watch. It's late. Too late. Zyke and Shine should already be asleep.
I promised Shine I'd join them for dinner… and I broke that promise.
Guilt pricks my chest.
He's too kind. Too gentle. I shouldn't have done that to him.
