Morning light finally entered the room in earnest.
Faint.
Enough to chase away some of the darkness that had pressed down relentlessly since the night before.
The air still felt heavy.
No longer suffocating like before.
Sophia lay there, her breathing finally becoming more regular.
Not perfect.
But far better.
Her face was still pale.
The tension that had been visible earlier had slightly eased.
Her eyes were closed.
Her body had finally surrendered to the rest that could no longer be delayed.
Beside her, Adrian Blackwood remained seated.
Motionless.
His hand still holding hers.
As if he refused to take even the slightest risk.
As if letting go would cause everything to crumble again.
Several hours had passed.
He had not moved.
Had not spoken.
Had not looked away.
On the other side of the room.
Daniel sat back in front of his laptop.
His movements were slower.
More careful.
Not because he was incapable.
But because he knew.
