Sebastian emerged from the bathroom looking marginally more refreshed. The dark circles beneath his eyes were still there, but the color had returned to his face.

His hair was still wet, and his shirt was a bit rumpled, but he seemed a little calmer.

He sank into the leather armchair across from her, and the weight of his gaze felt like a heavy blanket settling over her shoulders.

"Where were you?" she asked, trying to keep the anxiety out of her voice. "Are you alright? Did something ...