The moment Orion step outside the chambers, he paused briefly and exhaled a quiet breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. The hallway felt cooler than the room he had just left, yet it did little to soothe the heat of emotions bubbling beneath his calm facade. His gaze landed on Jaxon, who was leaning casually against the wall, arms crossed.
The moment Jaxon saw Orion, he straightened himself, pushing off the wall and approached him with purpose.
"You good?" Jaxon asked, his voice low but laced with concern.
Orion forced a smile, but Jaxon saw right through it. The grin lacked its usual spark, the corners of his lips trembling ever so slightly before settling into a thin line.
"Don't lie to me," Jaxon said firmly, his eyes narrowing.
Orion shook his head silently, his throat tightening too much to form words. Jaxon didn't press further. Instead, he gently placed a hand on Orion's shoulder, giving him a moment to compose himself before guiding him away from the hallway.
