I wake up twice.
The first time, Bael is already half-dressed across the room, buttoning his shirt with the kind of practiced efficiency that says he's done this a thousand times.
"What time is it?" I mumble into the pillow.
"Early. Go back to sleep."
"Mm."
I'm already drifting off before the words fully register.
The second time, he's gone.
The bed beside me is cold, sheets pulled back neat and flat like he was never there.
I sit up slowly, everything aching in ways that bring yesterday back in vivid detail.
The office, the desk, Bael's hands, All of it.
My face heats up and I shake my head, trying to clear it.
I get up and move to the window, looking out at the grounds.
There's more security.
Not really obvious, but there are more people stationed around the property than there were yesterday, positioned at intervals that look casual but aren't.
Uncle Ming's little lunch visit must have pushed things over the edge.
