That day didn't end in chaos. It softened.
What had begun as intensity slowly turned into something quieter… deeper. Moments blurred into each other, not rushed, not reckless just felt. Every touch, every pause, every shared breath carried meaning neither of them spoke out loud.
And when it was over, silence settled around them not empty, but full.
Aria lay still against the sheets, her hair spread around her, her breathing calm but her eyes… distant.
Rafael noticed immediately.
He was propped up beside her, watching her the way he always did now like every small shift in her mattered.
"You're quiet," he said softly.
No response.
His gaze sharpened slightly, concern replacing the calm from moments ago. He leaned closer, brushing a strand of hair away from her face.
"Aria… what's wrong?"
That was when she finally looked at him.
There was something fragile in her eyes. Not regret… not fear… but something heavier.
"You shouldn't have done this," she whispered.
