Kael slowly lifted his gaze.
By the entrance, partially lit by the fading afternoon light, stood Zayden.
His heart thudded — not with excitement, but with unease.
Why… is he here?
Zayden looked like he hadn't slept in days. His usual controlled air was cracked — tired eyes, clenched jaw, and that familiar weight in his expression.
He walked straight toward them.
Adrian, who had been casually sipping his iced coffee, turned to follow Kael's gaze. He noticed Zayden immediately, eyes narrowing just slightly in instinct.
Zayden stopped at their table. His gaze dropped briefly to Adrian before returning to Kael with a look Kael couldn't quite read — something between anger and hurt.
"Zayden? You're here," Kael said, his voice cool and unreadable.
Zayden nodded once. "Hmm."
Then his sharp eyes flicked toward Adrian. "And this is…?"
Adrian raised a brow but extended his hand with casual grace. "Adrian. Kael's best friend."
Zayden took his hand. Firmly. Too firmly. His jaw tensed.
"Zayden," he said curtly.
Kael could sense it — his pheromones, thick in the air now. Tension. Rage. Possessiveness.
It made Kael uncomfortable.
Why is he angry? he thought. What right does he even have anymore?
Without showing a flicker of it on his face, Kael stood up and said, "Adrian, we'll finish this later. I'll call you."
Adrian looked slightly disappointed, eyes flicking between them. But he respected Kael's unspoken request.
"Sure," he said quietly. "Call me later."
Then he left, the tension following him all the way out the door.
Kael turned to Zayden. His voice calm but firm. "Let's go to my place."
Zayden said nothing. He simply followed.
---
At Kael's apartment, the silence was heavy.
Kael stepped inside, removed his shoes, and went straight to his room.
"I'll be back in a minute," he said over his shoulder.
Zayden stood in the entrance like a misplaced shadow.
He looked around the quiet apartment, unsure what to do with himself. His hands clenched and unclenched at his sides.
He felt like a stranger in a place that once felt familiar.
---
In the bathroom, Kael leaned on the sink, splashing cold water on his face.
What is he doing here?
Why is he here?
He dried his face and looked into the mirror.
Don't lose yourself. Not again.