It was well past midnight when Daniel's car finally rolled up the driveway.
He had deliberately stayed out late, telling himself distance was the only way to quiet the storm in his head. But as he climbed the staircase and reached the hallway, that fragile resolve began to crumble.
He paused outside Anna's door, his hand braced against the wall.
"She's asleep by now," he muttered, though his gaze lingered on the handle far too long.
For several seconds he simply stood there, listening to the soft hush of the house. Then, with a low breath of defeat, he turned toward his own room.
The door clicked shut behind him unaware of the shadowed figure at the corner of the hall.
Kira, hidden in the dim light, watched the subtle war in his eyes and let a slow, knowing smile curve her lips before slipping silently away.
***
[Next Morning]
Birdsong drifted through the open window, coaxing Anna from sleep. But instead of the gentle calm of morning, an unexpected heat pressed down on her.
