Lila
The sun hadn’t risen fully yet, but I was already dressed. Wrapped in a soft shawl, standing at the edge of the window, I watched the world blur into golden light.
I could see the garden path from here—the one where Damon first asked me to trust him. It felt like a lifetime ago.
My fingers tightened around the sill. I didn’t want to leave. Not really. But staying here, pretending nothing was broken, pretending I wasn’t unraveling—was worse.
The door creaked open behind me.
“I thought I’d find you here,” Damon said, voice low, hesitant.
I turned, slowly. “I need to go.”
He stilled. “Go where?”
“Just… out. Away from all of this. Just for a day.” I met his eyes. “Please.”
He frowned, and I could see the resistance building behind his expression. His body was tense, jaw locked l
