Amara's POV

The morning sun spilled through the villa’s tall windows, golden light warming the polished floors. I followed Cassian quietly, my bare feet barely making a sound as he stepped outside with his phone pressed to his ear. He had answered the call quickly, his tone sharp, and although I couldn’t hear the voice on the other end, I could read his body language too well. His shoulders were tight, his jaw clenched, the lines around his eyes harder than usual.

I lingered behind, ...