Aurelian Vale:
The house is quiet when I walk in. The mess I left behind has been completely erased with no evidence left, and only the walls bear witness to my weakness.
I loosen my tie as I step inside, shrug out of my coat, and walk slowly into the living room.
I can smell him, but I can't—
I stop in my tracks when I finally sight him.
Ethan.
He is slumped over the dining table with his cheek pressed against a stack of documents, and one arm folded awkwardly beneath his head.
His other hand is still loosely holding a pen, despite him being asleep. The chandelier above him is the only source of light in the dining room. Illuminating just him and the scattered papers around him.
It's obvious he didn't mean to fall asleep here.
I step closer, with my movements growing quieter by instinct. I get to him and brush a curl away from his forehead so I can get a better view of his face.
It's so late at night, and he was busy burrowing into more work.
