Breaking Quiet | Azriel | ACOTAR

She's learned how to survive in silence-long sleeves, careful smiles, and the kind of quiet that keeps everyone else comfortable while she slowly disappears inside herself.

One careless moment at dinner is all it takes. A shift of fabric, a glimpse of what she's been hiding, and the room fractures-concern, questions, something like anger, all pressing in at once.

She doesn't stay to hear any of it. She can't. Because staying has always meant risk, and risk has always meant them.

Azriel has been watching her longer than he's allowed himself to admit-reading the flinches she thinks no one sees, the way her fear clings to the air around her like a second shadow.

And when she runs, he doesn't hesitate this time.