The realization sat heavier than expected.
I had spent so long fighting for scraps of affection that I didn't quite know what to do with something that wasn't taken from me.
The moment lingered until a new voice cut through it all.
"She needs rest."
The collective groan that followed made me smile before I even turned my head, because I didn't need to look to know exactly who had walked in. Orion stood at the doorway like he always did, calm, composed, and entirely too observant for my liking.
Imogen immediately leaned back in her chair. "Look who finally decided to show up."
Orion ignored her completely, his attention settling directly on me instead. As always. The fact that my eyes instinctively met his before I could stop them only made my irritation worse.
His golden gaze swept over my face, scanning for injuries before his expression eased slightly. "You should be sleeping."
"I'm awake," I replied immediately.
"You need rest," he added.
"I'm breathing," I said flatly.
