CHAPTER 86 AMAYA

“You’re still awake.”

The words sounded softer than anything I had said all day, as I stood on the balcony. 

I didn’t need to turn to know it was him. Alvaro’s presence had become something I recognized instinctively now, something that felt steady in the middle of everything that refused to be.

“I was looking for you,” he said, stepping closer. “Javier said you disappeared.”

“I didn’t disappear,” I murmured. “I just needed fresh air.”

“And this helps?”

I let out a breath that felt heavier than it should have. “Not really. But it feels better than being inside.”

He didn’t respond immediately, and when I finally...