POV: Saval
The early morning enveloped us in a heavy air, as if the apartment were holding its breath along with us. After Mia's call and the message Xavier had left in the group chat, Semiel insisted on staying awake with me.
—We could take turns,— he suggested, wrapping himself in the blanket as he watched me.— But I don't want you to be alone.
I shook my head. —I'd rather we stay awake until dawn.
Semiel settled beside me on the couch. The dim lamplight cast long shadows across his face. There was no fear in his eyes, only a stillness that unsettled me more than any threat.
—If Santiago dares to come, he won't be able to handle both of us,— he said quietly.
A pang shot through my chest. —I don't want you thinking about fighting. I just want you to be safe.
—Being with you is already being safe,— he replied, his gaze steady on mine.
I wanted to believe him, but images of what Santiago was capable of kept overlapping every thought. I took his hand, cold, and squeezed it. Outside, a metallic noise cut through the silence. We both stood up at the same time.
—Could be a cat,— I whispered.
We moved closer to the window. The empty street glowed under the lampposts. No movement. The noise repeated, this time farther away. Semiel tightened his grip on my arm.
—He's playing,— he murmured.— He likes it when we're afraid.
I felt anger rise, slow and hot. I wasn't going to give him that satisfaction. I closed the curtain decisively.
—We won't let him control us,— I said.
We stood there, back to back, as if that stance could repel any shadow. The clock read three in the morning.
—When the sun rises,— I continued,— we'll go straight to the police with everything we have.
Semiel nodded. —And we'll talk to Mia and David. No one should stay silent.
The night dragged on, heavy. Between the pounding in my temples and the warmth of Semiel's hand, I understood that the real battle was resisting the fear Santiago had sown.
The silence returned, thick, but in the midst of it, I felt a certainty: no matter how many games he tries to play, we won't break.