Elena's POV
I don't remember falling asleep in the car.
One moment, I was staring out the window, hollow and numb. The next, Julian was carrying me through the doorway of his home.
His arms were warm. Steady. Like I weighed nothing.
"I can walk," I murmured.
He didn't answer.
He set me down gently on the couch and disappeared into the kitchen. I heard the clink of glass, the soft hum of water running, the fridge door opening. Then silence.
I sat there, trying to breathe.
His house smelled like cedar and lemon. Safe. Distant. Too clean for someone like me.
When he returned, he handed me a glass of cold water. I took it, fingers brushing his.
"Thanks."
He sat beside me, elbows on his knees, jaw tight.
"You shouldn't be alone right now," he said.
"I am alone, Julian." I looked at him. "That's the point."
His eyes met mine, dark and unreadable. "Not anymore."
