Cassian ended the call with a swift motion, the screen going dark as he slipped the phone back into his pocket. Without another word, he continued eating breakfast as if it were just another ordinary morning—though the air between him and Mira felt faintly charged, heavy with something neither of them chose to acknowledge.
After a few quiet bites, he pushed his chair back and stood. He smoothed the tablecloth absently with one hand before reaching down to ruffle Lucien's hair.
"Alright, little man," he said softly, a small smile tugging at his lips. "I need to go now."
Lucien nodded, solemn as ever.
Cassian then leaned down and kissed Ivy's cheek, his touch gentle, lingering just a fraction longer than necessary.
"Be good to Mommy, okay?" he added, his voice warm but firm in that way that made it sound less like a request and more like a promise.
