**LILA POV**
I had already said no twice.
The first time was automatic. A reflex. My body rejecting the idea before my brain could even process it. The second time came with an apology and an excuse about being tired, about long days, about needing a quiet night.
They did not accept either.
“You cannot keep hiding in that apartment,” Jace says, leaning back against the counter like he has all the time in the world. “You moved here for a reason. You cannot let fear decide your schedule.”
“I am not hiding,” I say, too quickly.
Mila lifts a brow. “You have eaten dinner on that same couch every night for two weeks.”
“That is not hiding,” I insist. “That is budgeting.”
Caleb does not argue. He just watches me from where he stands near the door, arms folded loosely, expression calm. He a
