Edward’s gaze flickered nervously over the girl lying before him, her features soft in sleep, the vulnerability of her unguarded state pulling at his restraint. He couldn’t help himself—this feeling of being near her was an addiction, a strange and unexplainable pull that only grew stronger the longer he fought it. His eyes, ever so carefully tracing her every movement, lingered on the rise and fall of her chest, on the way the faintest breath parted her lips. She was perfect. More perfect than anything he could have ever imagined.

He knew he shouldn’t be here. This wasn’t right. He shouldn’t be so close, shouldn’t be watching her while she slept. But the temptation to just be near her—unobtrusive, silent—was too much to resist. He told himself he was doing it to make sure she was safe, but the truth was darker. His own restlessness, his hunger for something he couldn’t name, was the true reason.

But then, the quiet night shattered. Her eyes snapped open, locking on him, and that instant clarity in her gaze was like a bucket of ice water. Her expression was a mix of surprise, confusion, and something darker—anger, annoyance- disgust. He froze, the air thick with the weight of her emotions as his mind raced.

“Oh, no—no, please…” His voice was soft, pleading, his usual composure crumbling like dust in the wind. “I didn’t mean to— I’m sorry. I didn’t—I never meant to upset you.” He scrambled forward, instinctively reaching out to her as if the distance between them could be erased by sheer desperation. "I—I just wanted to make sure you were okay. I’m sorry. I promise, I’ll—”

His words faltered, his usual confidence shattered. He crawled up onto the bed beside her, his golden eyes wide with regret, his voice trembling in a way he never allowed anyone to hear. “Please… don’t be mad. I don’t understand why you’re upset with me for wanting to keep you safe. Please, don’t be mad…”