The air felt different.
Lighter. Softer. Peaceful.
For the first time in what felt like forever, Alex woke without that gnawing dread sitting on his chest. No whispers in the dark. No eerie weight pressing down on him. No Jude. Just silence—sweet, normal silence.
Sunlight spilled into his bedroom, warm against his skin. He stretched, yawning, his curls a complete mess. For a moment, he lay there, staring at the ceiling, letting himself breathe in the calm. His body still bore faint aches from everything that had happened in the warehouse, but it was nothing compared to before.
And then his phone buzzed.
Liam 💚:Morning, sunshine. Don't be late today. I'll drag you out myself if I have to.
Alex rolled his eyes but couldn't stop the smile tugging at his lips. Typical Liam. Pushy, smug, annoyingly charming.
He typed back:
Alex:You wouldn't dare.
The reply came in seconds.
Liam 💚:Try me. You'll look cute when I carry you into class.
