Silent Scars

CHAPTER 81

The door flew open with absolutely zero hesitation.

"So that’s where you are!"

Kendric’s voice rang out like a fire alarm.

Ariana startled, head jerking slightly as her lashes fluttered open. Disoriented and drowsy, she blinked up at the ceiling in confusion. Her hand that had rested so gently against Domain’s shirt tensed as she tried to lift herself up slightly, only for Domain’s arm to tighten instinctively in protectiveness.

Domain winced.

"Oh come on, Ken…"

He turned his head just enough to glare at the intruder.

"You just woke her up."

Kendric stood in the doorway with the most offended expression known to mankind, arms crossed, hair a beautiful mess, like he’d sprinted straight from bed to detective mode.

"I don’t care."

He declared dramatically, striding into the room.

"You two had a whole moment without me. That’s completely unacceptable."

Domain pushed himself up onto one elbow.

"Seriously? What are you even....?"

But Kendric didn’t wait.

He marched right over to the bed, tossed the extra pillow aside, and crawled in on Ariana’s other side like it was his bed all along.

Ariana blinked, clearly still waking up, but not pulling away.

"I’m not going anywhere."

Kendric announced as he settled in beside her. Then he threw an arm around her shoulders and rested his head lightly against hers with a satisfied sigh.

"Good morning, sunshine."

Domain gaped.

"Kendric. Get. Out. Of. My. Bed."

Kendric just patted Ariana’s arm like he was reassuring her.

"She looks fine to me."

He said sweetly, eyes still closed.

"Besides, I missed her."

Ariana, still a little confused and sleepy, turned her head to glance at Kendric. His face was all fake pout and smug affection. She blinked at him, then at Domain, then smiled.

Domain stared at her like she’d just betrayed him to the enemy.

"You’re encouraging this?"

He asked, raising an eyebrow.

Ariana didn’t answer, of course. But the way her eyes sparkled with amusement said everything.

Kendric looked smug.

"See? She likes me more. Clearly."

Domain shook his head and let out a slow, deep sigh, flopping back onto the pillow like life had personally offended him.

"You’re an actual toddler."

He mumbled into the sheets.

"Thanks."

Kendric beamed, clearly taking that as a compliment.

But Ariana didn’t seem overwhelmed. In fact, she looked… peaceful. Her shoulders weren’t tense. Her eyes were soft. And that smile hadn’t faded yet.

Kendric leaned closer to her and whispered,

"Next time, wake me up too, okay? Don’t leave me out of the group cuddle."