Lawrence.
The cool night air drifted through the open balcony doors, carrying the sweet, crisp scent of pine and damp earth from the forest below.
Theresa stepped out onto the stone patio, resting her hands against the carved railing as she looked up at the moon. The warm light from the dining room flickered behind her, casting a soft glow over her silhouette.
Inside, Lurgard was stacking the dessert plates with surprisingly quiet care, while Leonard leaned against the sideboard, sipping his iced water. I watched Theresa from the doorway for a beat, letting the quiet beauty of the moment sink into my chest. For so many weeks, every breath we took around her felt like walking on thin ice. Now, seeing her stand out there with her shoulders dropped and her breathing steady, the heavy knot in my own throat finally loosened.
I picked up a glass of warm herbal tea from the table and walked out onto the balcony, keeping my footsteps light and deliberate so I wouldn't startle her.
