You sat alone on the terrace bench, the night wrapped around you like a heavy blanket. Only the stars and moon bore witness to your thoughts—thoughts tangled in regret, in all the choices you wish you could undo.

Then, footsteps. Soft, familiar.

A gentle hand settled on your shoulder, grounding you in the present.

“Hey,” came Caelus’ voice—low, tender, the kind of softness that always made your heart stutter in ways it shouldn’t. “Are you okay?”