Kira's POV
I stepped into Damien's room, my heart hammering against my ribs.
He looked pale against the sheets, but his eyes were alert, focused, and fixed entirely on me.
"Are you okay?" I asked, hovering near the door.
"Better now that you're here."
I tried not to read meaning into those words. Failed completely. Heat crept up my neck as I moved further into the room, taking a seat in the chair furthest from his bed.
Safe distance. Best distance.
A heavy and uncomfortable silence stretched between us.
I didn't know what to say. Should I address the elephant in the room - my fake identity that had been violently exposed? Should I apologize? Beg him not to press charges? Or should I just focus on his health and pretend like nothing had changed?
My hands twisted in my lap, my mind spinning with too many thoughts at once.
"Kira." His voice was soft but commanding. He patted the bed beside him. "Come closer."
I looked up sharply. "Huh?"
