Maximilian stood just beyond the divider, fingers resting lightly against the edge as he leaned to look inside. Catherine had already fallen asleep, her breathing slow and even, Arcturus curled faithfully at her side like a silent guardian.
In sleep, her face was softer, unguarded in a way he rarely saw when she was awake. For a fleeting moment, he allowed himself to watch her, memorizing the peace he had taken from her once.
Should I have told her the truth?
His hand lifted, fingers dragging through his hair in quiet frustration. Every time she said never, it felt like a blade driven deeper into him. What if the truth could change that? What if the memories she had lost could return, if only he gave her the chance? Or would that only wound her further, reopening scars she had somehow managed to survive?
His phone rang.
