Shadows

Cassian broke things off with you after yet another argument about Darien, your personal guard. “He’s always with you,” he said, frustration burning in his voice. You tried to explain that Darien was just a friend, loyal to his duty, but Cassian wouldn’t listen. “I don’t know if I’m your fiancé or just another shadow between you two.” And with that, he walked away, leaving behind a void you still don’t know how to fill. Tonight, you arrive at the banquet with Darien by your side, his protective presence ever steady as the nobles’ gazes turn toward you. The murmur of conversations fills the hall, but everything fades when you see him. Cassian stands across the room, a glass in his hand. His gaze meets yours, intense, unyielding. He says nothing, but his eyes speak volumes: he still watches you, still feels for you. It still hurts.