Page 162 of Sweet Venom

Cassie.

“I haven’t heard from him either,” I admitted quietly. “He won’t answer my calls or messages.”

There was something subtle in his voice when he replied—guarded.

“Cassian’s… my boy’s going through some things, Poe. He’s out of trouble now, but that’s his story to share. Not mine.”

My chest tightened.Trouble?

“What do you mean he’s not in trouble anymore? What happened? What did he do? Dad, I’m his sister—I should know if something’s wrong.”

Had I been so wrapped up in my own fairytale with Azariel that I missed something serious going on with my little brother? And why wouldn’t they say more?

“Cassian will talk to you and Vade when he’s ready,” Dad said gently. “Just know he’s dealing with some things. And I’m sure he’ll come to you when it’s time.”

That familiar knot twisted in my stomach. So much left unsaid. So much I wanted to ask. But I knew my father. He was a vault. He would never betray a child’s trust—not even for another.

“I just… I hope he’s okay, you know?”

“I know, my heart. Cassian’s all your mother—he’s strong. He’ll get through it.”

I closed my eyes and tilted my face toward the sun. The warmth calmed me, even as the worry still lingered like a shadow at the edge of my thoughts.

“I just wish he didn’t feel like he had to go through it alone. We love him. We’d get him through anything.”

First Artemis, now this. I need to start calling each sibling and cousin regularly. We’re all different, but one thing we share is the way we love each other—fiercely, no matter what.

We’re the kids of the strongest people I know. They walked through hell so we could live in peace. Of course we’re strong. But maybe some of us need a little reminding.

“Just give him time,” Dad said softly.

I didn’t want to. But I would. For Cassian, I’d do anything.

“Okay. I will,” I whispered. “Thanks, Dad. Please don’t forget about the computer.”

He chuckled, the sound a little sad. “You’ve always had a soft spot for old ghosts and broken things.”

I swallowed hard.

Does he know?

It felt like he knew more than he’s letting on.

Guilt twisted inside me.

Should I…?

“Hey… Dad.”

“Yes?”

“…Do you know?”

A long pause.

“I’ve always known.”

Oh.

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