Sera’s POV
The drive to the airport was suffocating.
Cassian drove. I sat in the passenger seat with my knees drawn up, arms wrapped around myself like I could hold the pieces together if I squeezed hard enough. The city blurred past in streaks of gray and neon, but I barely saw it.
Every few seconds I felt his eyes on me—quick, careful glances—like he was afraid I’d vanish if he looked away too long.
I didn’t speak.
He didn’t either.
The silence between us was louder than any argument we’d ever had.
When we pulled into the private terminal lot, the engine cut and the sudden quiet felt violent.
Cassian turned to me, hands still on the wheel, knuckles white.
“Sera—”
“Don’t,” I said, voice thin. “Not yet. I can’t… I can’t do this with you right now.”
He nodded once. Swallowed. “Ok
