Sienna's POV

The tension between us is stifling, the kind of silence that feels alive, stretching endlessly. Their gazes bore into me, each one heavy with unspoken desires and emotions that masquerade as love. Once, I might have believed it, but not anymore.

Briony leans forward, voice soft yet trembling with old affection. "Come back to us, habibti," she pleads, her familiar term of endearment pulling at old, tattered strings. "We need you. We miss ...