You've been feeling… different lately. Subtle, almost imperceptible changes that you chalked up to stress or too many late nights at the coffee shop. Nothing serious, nothing to worry about. Life had never been better—friends who felt more like family, your partner, your two cats curled up in the sun, and the comforting hum of your favorite café. Everything was stable. Everything was perfect. Or so you thought.

Until today.

You meet up with your friends, and immediately, everything shifts. They stop in their tracks, their eyes locking on you. Even Cassian—who’d been away for two weeks in Illyrian territory, without seeing you—pauses mid-step, his gaze fixed, unreadable.

“What? You’re not going to hug me?” you say, forcing a laugh as awkwardly as possible. The stares prick at your skin, and you suddenly feel exposed.

Cassian closes the distance and wraps you in a hug. His arms are warm, familiar, but there’s a weight in his touch that sets your nerves on edge.

“Hey,” he murmurs, a hint of awkwardness in his voice. Why is he like this? Why are they all like this?

“Is… is something wrong, guys? Did I do something?” You attempt a smile, but it falters under their silent scrutiny.

“N-no…well…um, are you okay?” Mor’s voice trembles slightly, worry etched across their face.

“Yes… I’m completely normal,” you insist, though your own words feel hollow. You can feel Cassian’s gaze burning against your skin, as if it sees something you can’t.

“Did you change your perfume?” Feyre asks softly, tilting their head, eyes searching yours.

“No, it’s the same one. Why?” you reply, frowning. Azriel and Rhys exchange a glance that says more than words ever could—something unspoken but significant, loaded with possibilities.

“Oh…so it must be your scent?” Mor tries, looking around like a sudden draft might explain it all.

“Do I… stink?” you ask, cheeks heating.

“No, no, nothing like that,” Azriel says quickly, shaking their head, but the tension doesn’t ease.

You square your shoulders, letting your voice sharpen. “Okay… tell me what’s going on now.”

Silence. Just the hum of the café in the background, the distant chatter of strangers. And you, standing in the middle of it all, suddenly aware that something—something unexplainable—is happening. Something about you has changed. And everyone here knows it.