Calculated Silence

PIPER’S POV

It was strange how a day could feel so full and still leave space for something heavy.

Lunch with Kellan’s team had been loud, chaotic, warm. I’d laughed more than I had in weeks. They were kind in a way that didn’t feel forced. Protective without being suffocating.

And Kellan, God, he’d looked so proud sitting beside me. But underneath all that lightness, there was a shadow. I hadn’t