"You didn't deny anything," Edward said calmly. "You simply chose not to speak in front of the doctor." He looked down at her then slowly met her eyes. "That takes control."
Elena held his gaze. "Or habit," she replied.
For a brief moment… something shifted in his expression.
Not with sympathy but with recognition and that… was far more dangerous.
"Tell me," Edward said, his tone quieter now, more deliberate. "How long do you plan to endure this?"
The question wasn't casual. It wasn't out of curiosity. It was simply… interest.
Outside the room, Lucien stood still, his patience wearing thinner with every passing second, unaware of what was being said or how quickly things were slipping beyond his reach.
_______________________
The silence inside the room lingered for only a few more moments before a knock came at the door.
Edward's gaze shifted briefly toward the entrance before he spoke calmly, "Come in."
The door opened almost immediately.
Lucien stepped inside.
