Corvus stands by the French doors. Still holding—no, he's picked up a new tablet. But the screen is dark. His clinical facade cracked. Just watching. Cataloging. Failing to stay detached.
Perfect.
I start swimming laps. Freestyle. Putting my back into it like I'm training for competition instead of staging psychological warfare.
The exercise feels good. My muscles stretch and pull, remembering what it's like to move with purpose. Water streams past. Cool and clean and—
Dizziness hits mid-stroke.
I falter. Miss a breath. Go under for a second before I remember how to kick.
Rejection sickness. My body punishing me for the exertion.
I surface, coughing. Wipe water from my eyes.
Three sets of footsteps. Moving fast.
"I'm fine," I call out before any of them reach me. "Just dizzy."
"Get out of the pool." Dorian's voice. Sharp with panic he's trying to hide.
"No."
"Vespera—"
"I said I'm fine."
I start another lap. Slower this time. More controlled. My muscles shake but I push through it.
By the time I reach the far end, Dorian has stripped off his shirt and waded into the shallow end. Not swimming toward me. Just... there. Ready.
"I don't need a lifeguard."
"Humor me." His voice is tight. "Swim your laps. I'll stay here."
It's not worth arguing. I do three more lengths. Each one harder than the last. By the final turn, my arms feel like lead.
I grab the pool's edge. Breathing hard.
Dorian's there. Offering his hand.
I don't take it. Pull myself out with shaking arms instead.
The towel appears before I've fully stood. Corvus holding it out. Not touching me. Just offering.
I wrap it around myself. My legs tremble.
"Sit." Oakley has moved one of the loungers closer. "Before you fall."
"I'm not—"
My knees buckle.
Oakley catches me. Those careful healer's hands steadying me without claiming. "I've got you."
He helps me to the lounger. I sit because I have to, not because I want to.
"Water." Corvus appears with a bottle. Cold. Condensation dripping.
