A Warrior’s Second Chance novel Chapter 178

FAYE

By the time I returned to the house, the sky had already dimmed. I’d spent longer than I intended just sitting out there, watching people move about from a distance, not really thinking… just… existing.

I told myself I needed air, that space was all I wanted, but somehow, even surrounded by all that open sky, I still felt trapped inside my own head.

When I got back to our quarters, the room was empty. The curtains were half–drawn, the air faintly scented with Alexander’s cologne. For a moment, I stood there, listening–no movement, no shower running, no footsteps from the other room. He wasn’t here.

I exhaled quietly, letting my jacket slide off my shoulders and fall across the bed. I figured he was in his office.

I needed to go see him. After the way I’d spoken to him earlier, I felt bad. I’d snapped at him for no good reason. He didn’t deserve that. Alexander had only been trying to help–to understand. He’d reached out to me in the softest way he knew how, and I’d shut him down. The look on his face when I told him to stop treating me like a child had stayed with me long after I left the house.

I closed my eyes briefly, pressing my fingers against my temple. I hated this–this shortness, this irritation that came from nowhere. I didn’t recognize myself lately. Everything seemed to touch a nerve, even when I didn’t mean for it to.

Maybe if I just apologized, I’d feel better. Maybe he would too.

The hallways were quiet, only a few passing workers nodding as I walked by. I offered polite smiles that didn’t quite reach my eyes. When I turned a corner, I nearly bumped into Cole.

He straightened quickly, almost too formally, as if he hadn’t expected to see me. “Luna,” he greeted with a nod.

“Cole,” I replied softly. “Have you seen Alexander?”

“Yes,” he said. “He left for a meeting not too long ago. He said it was urgent.”

“I see,” I murmured, forcing a small smile. “Thank you.”

He gave another short nod. “Do you need anything?”

“No, I’m fine.” I turned back.

When I reached the room again, the quiet felt heavier. I sat on the edge of the bed and finally pulled my phone from my bag. The screen lit up with two missed calls and a message…from Alexander.

The text said he had gone out for some impromptu meeting, and that he just wanted me to know.

I stared at the message for a moment, chewing on the inside of my cheek. He’d called… twice. While I was out wandering, too wrapped up in my own confusion to even notice. Guilt pressed at my chest, dull and persistent.

A soft knock on the door broke my thoughts.

“Yes?” I called.

The door opened just slightly, and one of the house attendants stepped in, her head bowed respectfully. Luna, dinner is ready,” she said. “Would you like me to serve it here, or will you be joining the others in the hall?”

I stood there a few seconds longer, staring at her back, wondering if I should say more. But there was nothing to say that wouldn’t sound forced, so I just sighed quietly and walked into the bathroom. I needed to shower.

When I finally came back out, towel–drying my hair and dressed in my sleeping clothes, Faye was still lying in bed, facing away from me.

I paused again. She wasn’t asleep–I could tell from the slight movement of her shoulders. I slid under the

covers quietly, and turned slightly toward her.

For a moment, I just watched her back, the soft rise and fall of her breathing. Then, without overthinking it, I reached out a hand, intending to hold her–to let her know I was there. But I stopped midway, hesitating. Maybe she needed space. Maybe I should just let her be tonight.

So instead, I murmured, “Good night,” my voice quiet.

There was a pause, and for a moment, I wasn’t sure she’d heard me. Then she whispered, “Good night,” without turning around.

I exhaled softly and rolled onto my side, facing the other direction. It took me a while to settle. My mind was starting to drift, my eyelids heavy, when I suddenly felt a gentle touch at my back. Faye had hugged me from the back.

I froze for a second, unsure how to react, but then I heard her voice, soft and small.

“I’m sorry,” she whispered. “About earlier.”