Raisel’s POV

The first thing I noticed when I opened my eyes was the absence of Soren. He wasn’t home.

Hazel walked into the room, already dressed for the day, but something about her posture was tense. Trouble followed her like a shadow. We sat down at the dining table in silence, the air between us thick and unspoken.

“What’s with you?” Hazel finally asked, her voice clipped as she sipped her coffee.

“Nothing. Just… work stress,” I lied, avoiding her gaze. I ...