SERA AND DR. MORRISON LEFT with final instructions about stimulants and monitoring protocols. The door closed with a soft click.
Grayson and Mailah were alone.
She was still standing by the bed, swaying slightly. Her face had gone pale during the examination, and there were shadows under her eyes that hadn't been there two days ago.
He took a step toward her.
Her hand came up immediately—not reaching for him, but stopping him.
A clear warning. Her eyes locked onto his, sharp despite her obvious exhaustion.
Don't.
The message was unmistakable.
Don't come closer. Don't check on her. Don't do anything that might compromise what they were both trying to maintain.
Grayson stopped mid-step.
For a long moment, they just stared at each other across the room. The air felt thick with everything they couldn't say.
Everything the cameras might catch. Everything Theron might be passively observing through that goddamn dream connection.
