The garden was still damp from last night's watering.
The hedges smelled green and clean, the morning air cool enough to raise goosebumps on Ethan's arms.
Gabriel held both coats over one arm, walking beside him at an easy pace.
Neither of them spoke at first.
Not because there was nothing to say.
Because for once, there was nothing chasing them.
Ethan's fingers brushed Gabriel's hand—accidental at first.
Then not.
Gabriel didn't hesitate. His hand turned, catching Ethan's properly, palm to palm.
Ethan's grip tightened.
A quiet anchor.
They walked deeper between the flowerbeds, the house behind them now, the world reduced to birdsong and footsteps.
Ethan let out a slow breath.
"I hate how much time I wasted."
Gabriel glanced at him. "You didn't waste it."
Ethan gave a short, humorless laugh. "I ran. I fought. I made it harder than it had to be."
"You survived," Gabriel said simply.
That word landed softly.
Ethan's throat moved.
