Ifeel them before I wake. Not their touch or voices. Just… them.
Kane feels the closest, his cool, soothing darkness curling around me like shade in an abrasive summer.
Ezekial wraps the edges, calm and quiet, like warm water.
Sai crackles somewhere to my right, restless, electric. Bright in all the right ways.
And Julien is heat. Velvet-rich, slow-burning. His presence sinks deep, like silk laid over embers.
All of it makes my chest ache pleasantly, and beneath it, there’s something even sweeter. Relief, hope, and maybe—
“…now?”
“You can’t force yourself to feelsomething, Sai,” Ezekial mutters.
“What about… now. What am I feeling right now?”
I don’t open my eyes, but a smile pulls at my lips as Julien exhales slowly. “Sai, it’s been almost an hour.”
“I’m just saying now that Mr. Mine over here can feel, maybe he should try using it. Maybe try something wildlike communicate. Or at least use it to tell us who Red’s favourite is.”
“Because you think it’s you?” Ezekial asks.
“Well it’s probably not the one growling every time someone touches her.”
Kane makes a sound that’salmosta growl and I laugh without meaning to. It seems to freeze the room for a moment. Then furniture shifts, feet move, and something dips beneath me. Am I on someone’s lap?
When I slowly open my eyes, I find four men watching me.
“Hey,” I say, stretching a little.
There’s no pain or fatigue, no aches or twinges. Just energy humming beneath my skin in a rhythm my body seems to recognise.
“No. Don’t you dare say how I feel right now,” Sai snaps, looking straight at Kane.
But Kane’s eyes are locked on me, expression intense, like he’s ready to catch me, or pin me down… maybe both?
“You’re back.” I smile. But he doesn’t respond, and it falters a little. “Are you feeling better?”
I sit up and Julien’s hands move to my waist, guiding me gently to his side so I can lean against him.
“Careful, mon âme,” he says softly. “You’ve been unconscious for almost a day. You shouldn’t—”
“You need to eat,” Kane snaps, far too fast, still not answering my question. He’s perched on the edge of a coffee table, fingers curled tight around it.
I quirk a brow at his sharp tone, and he retreats instantly. His shoulders sink, his gaze drops.
“Sorry,” he murmurs, eyes fixed on the floor. “I’m fine. Now that you’re awake.”
I reach for him, resting my hand on one of his, feeling his fingers unclench slightly. “It’s okay, and I’m fine too.” I glance between them all, feeling their nervous energy pooling around me, making me add, “I feel really good. Better than I ever remember.” Then I smile, and the tension eases.
I start to shift on the sofa, trying to shimmy to the edge, but Julien’s grasp holds me in place. “I’m just going to the bathroom.” But he doesn’t let go. “I just want a quick shower—”
“Need a hand?” Sai cuts in, hand already out, accompanied by a wide grin and dark cobalt eyes.
I place my hand in his, and Julien’s grip finally eases as Sai helps me to stand. “I’m sure I’ll be fine, Sai.”
But Sai escorts me to the bathroom anyway, refusing to let go of my hand until the very last second.
