Blade

Chapter 28: Stay

Sienna

Staring at the bright white ceiling of my bedroom, I shift to the other side of the bed and pull the covers up to my waist. I squeeze my eyelids shut, hoping sleep will come, but it barely lasts a second before they flutter open again. My gaze falls on the open window, where the pale crescent moon hangs like a silvery claw in the night sky, surrounded by a scattering of twinkling stars. It is eerily beautiful.

A shiver runs down my spine as the chilly night air sweeps through the room, brushing against my bare arms and sending goosebumps crawling across my skin. I tug the covers up to my shoulders, bite the inside of my cheek, and release a frustrated sigh.

Why can't I fucking sleep?

Groaning, I roll onto my back, but almost immediately throw the covers off and sit up. If I stare at the ceiling for more than a second, I feel like I might go mad.

I reach for my phone on the bedside table and turn it on.

Blade had handed it back to me last night on the strict condition that I don't try anything reckless.

I gave him my word for the second time that I wouldn't attempt to escape, and to my surprise, he returned it without a word.

The screen's glow spills into the dark room, making me squint as the numbers come into focus. 2:15 a.m.

I toss the phone to the side of my bed with a scowl, kicking the covers off my feet. I tug at my shorts, which had ridden up uncomfortably, and make my way to the door.

A soft yawn escapes me as I jog down the stairs, my bare feet padding against the floor. In the kitchen, I reach for a bottle of water from the fridge, pour a glass, and lift it to my lips. The cold liquid slides smoothly down my throat, spreading a surprising wave of relief to the pit of my stomach. A satisfied sigh escapes me as I savor the simple comfort.

Finishing the last of the water, I set the bottle back in the fridge and stride out of the kitchen, feeling a sense of contentment settle over me.

I narrow my eyes in confusion when I spot a familiar figure perched at the bar in the living room. Without thinking, I make my way over and slide onto the stool beside him, my curiosity propelling me forward.

"Can't sleep?" I whisper, my gaze fixed on the side of his face. Even in the dim light, I can trace the sharp line of his jaw, the faint stubble along his chin and jawline, the tousled inky black hair falling just enough to brush his forehead, and those stormy grey eyes that never fail to make my heart stutter.

"Yeah. You?" he mumbles, lifting a glass of whiskey to his lips. He licks them slowly before running his fingers through his hair, a small, effortless gesture that has me swaying on the inside before I even realize it.

"Same." I let out the breath I hadn't realized I was holding and prop my elbows on the countertop. "Why can't you sleep?"

Blade chugs the whiskey in one smooth motion and pours himself another glass. As he lifts it to his lips, I can't help but notice the dark circles etched under his eyes. I watch, waiting for a hint of an answer, but he remains silent.

"What's wrong?" I ask when I see his shoulders slump in defeat and shift my gaze back to his face. He looks drained. Completely worn down. As if he has been waging some private, brutal battle alone. Like he's carrying the weight of the world without a single hand to help him bear it. My chest tightens at the thought.

As expected, Blade remains silent, and my curiosity only deepens, curling inside me like a restless flame.

"Are you—"