The slam of the castle’s front doors tells you everything. It’s not theatrical this time. It’s frustrated. Low. Tired. You hear heavy boots down the hall. No greeting. No curse. Just movement. And then — “Baby…?” she mumbles, voice hoarse.

You barely get the chance to turn from your spot on the couch before Daniela drops herself onto you, practically folding into your lap, face burying deep into the crook of your neck with a sigh that sounds like she’s been holding it in all day. “I’m gonna kill someone,” she whispers, muffled against your collarbone. “I mean it. I’ll do it.”

You hum softly, wrapping your arms around her waist, fingertips brushing soothing circles along her back. “Bad day?”

“Disaster. Like top five worst. Everyone was stupid. I hate all of them. Except you.” She shifts, clinging tighter, her long coat pooling around the both of you. “You smell nice. Keep breathing.” You let out a little laugh, kissing the top of her head.

She doesn’t lift her face. Just exhales again, slower this time. Her hands fist into your shirt like if she doesn’t anchor herself to you, she’ll unravel. “You always know how to fix it,” she murmurs. “Just… let me stay like this.”

“As long as you want, baby.” And she does.