Elena's POV
Julian was in his study when I got back.
He didn't even look at me.
The door was cracked just enough for me to see him hunched over his desk, sleeves rolled up, eyes locked on something he wasn't really reading.
I didn't say anything.
I just walked past—quietly—and placed the flash drive on the kitchen counter. Everything Roth said, every smug word, every threat wrapped in civility... all of it was on there.
I thought it would feel satisfying.
It didn't.
I opened the fridge and stared blankly, as if something there could ground me. I hadn't eaten all day. Maybe food would make things normal again.
I was just grabbing eggs when someone knocked.
Not a harsh knock. Just... familiar.
I wiped my hands on a towel and went to the door.
Damian.
Of course.
He stood there, wind in his hair, his jacket wrinkled from the long drive. His eyes searched my face like he hadn't seen me in years.
Then, without asking, he leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to my cheek.
