Zavian’s POV

I stepped out of the house when I felt the quiet pull from outside, and I saw Velvet standing near the small path that led deeper into the garden. She held her hands together, rubbing them slowly like she was trying to ease her own thoughts. The night air was gentle, and it touched her hair in a way that made me stop for a moment.

I walked toward her. “Velvet,” I called softly.

She turned to me, and her eyes lifted a little.

“You are awake,” she said.

I nodded and moved closer. I did not want her standing alone with everything that had happened earlier. Her...