Night had fallen. The clouds outside shimmered faintly, bathed in stardust, though it wasn't even eight yet.
That's when I heard footsteps outside my door. Anthony — I could tell by the measured weight of his stride. He was back, heading toward his room.
I drew in a sharp breath. He'd texted earlier to say that dinner with his uncle had been postponed until tomorrow night. No reason given.
The dinner didn't matter. He did. After what we shared today — after seeing that rare, happy side of Anthony — all I wanted was to see him again. To greet that version of him each morning.
I moved to my door, hesitated for a heartbeat, then slowly turned the knob.
The hallway beyond was hushed, no sound except the soft hum of the night. I stepped closer to his door, my heart picking up pace.
But just as I reached for the handle, I froze.
Voices.
Not Anthony's alone — someone else was with him.
It wasn't a woman, thank heavens.
