-Kyle Vale:
I watched Caspian trying to ignore me all night.
And I let him.
Because pushing Caspian into conversations he clearly didn't want was probably the fastest way to make him disappear entirely. And this is the last I would ever want to do.
So I stayed away. Away enough for him not to see me.
Stayed far enough not to overwhelm him.
But close enough that he wouldn't actually be alone.
The reception looked completely different now compared to earlier. Hours ago, the estate had been overflowing with people, music, laughter, dancing, and floating lanterns glowing brightly above crowded tables while everyone celebrated Ryland and Vaughn. Now the entire place felt softer. Quieter. Empty chairs surrounded abandoned glasses and melted candles while workers moved around the clearing, cleaning the aftermath of the wedding.
And through all of it—
Caspian stayed moving.
Working.
Organizing.
Avoiding me.
