Darius could see the worry still etched deep within Cassandra's eyes, a shadow lurking beneath the surface of her fragile calm. Without hesitation, he reached out and pulled her gently into an embrace, the warmth of his arms surrounding her like a protective shield. His hand cradled the back of her head as he pressed a soft kiss to her forehead, a silent promise that she was not alone.
"You shouldn't stay cooped up in here," he murmured against her skin, his voice low but firm. "There's an event tonight. If you want, we can go together. I don't think being alone in this room will do you any good."
Cassandra lifted her gaze, her eyes still searching his for reassurance. "What about Nia? She must be worried sick about me," she said quietly, the concern for her close friend evident in her t
