Kael sat up.
The movement caused the bedsprings to creak.
Theo didn't look over.
Kael took a deep breath.
He hated being nosy.
He hated invading personal space.
But tonight, he felt like he had to break his own golden rule.
"Theo," Kael said.
His voice sounded loud in the quiet room.
Theo blinked, snapping out of his trance.
He turned his head slowly. "Yeah? Did I leave the light too bright?"
"No," Kael said.
He shifted, sitting cross-legged on his bed, facing his friend.
"The light is fine," Kael continued. "But you're not."
Theo stiffened.
The mask tried to slide back into place. "I'm tired, Kael. It's been a long week. Faction stress, you know?"
"It's not the faction," Kael said simply. "It's Melina."
Theo's jaw tightened.
He looked away, back to the wall. "I don't want to talk about her."
