Atlas definitely does.
At the elevator, I stop all three with one small hand.
“Thank you,” I say again.“Really.”
Finn tries to smile.It wobbles.“Text every thirty minutes.”
“I will.”
Atlas leans in—not touching, just close enough that his presence blankets me in heat.“Lock the bar.Chain.Deadbolt.Twice.”
“Yes.”
Kael meets my eyes last.“If you need us—”
“I’ll call.”
He nods once.“Good.”
Finn presses the elevator button.The doors slide open—too loud, too bright.
And I feel something shift again.
“I’ll be okay,” I say, softer this time.“I know I will.”
Kael steps in first, looking back at me one more time.Atlas follows, slow, like he doesn’t want to turn his back.
Finn hesitates, almost reaches for my hand, then tucks his own in his pocket instead.“Goodnight, Wren.”
“Goodnight, Finn.”
The doors start to close.
He holds my gaze until they shut completely.
Silence wraps around me.
And for the first time in a long time...
I let it.
I lock my door.
Set the deadbolt.
Slide the bar.
Turn off the lights.
The quiet is big.
A little eerie.
A little comforting.
I breathe in.
Out.
