Evaline:
I watched Oscar leave for a moment longer than necessary, my fingers unconsciously tracing the edge of the keycard on the table.
Then I let out a small breath and turned back to the two men in front of me.
River was watching me. Not in that intense, unreadable way he usually did... but with a quiet softness.
Before he could say anything, I leaned forward slightly and pressed a quick kiss to his cheek, catching him off guard.
His brows lifted just a fraction, the smallest hint of surprise crossing his otherwise composed face.
"Thank you," I said softly. "For changing Kyros' punishment."
River exhaled quietly and rested his hand on the back of my head. His fingers threaded briefly through my hair before he gently patted it, making warmth bloom in my chest.
"He has already paid more than enough for his mistake," he said. There was no harshness in his tone. Only calm certainty.
I swallowed softly.
