Page 83 of Veil of Dust

I close my eyes again.

And I feel it.

Leon.

Still there.

Not stronger. Not weaker. Just…present.

Not pulling. Not warning.

Just watching.

“Do you want to sit?” I ask.

Tiziano doesn’t answer.

But he moves.

Around the edge of the table. Quiet.

Then he lowers to the floor beside me.

He winces as he rests his back against the cabinet.

I glance down at the makeshift bandage.

The towel’s soaked already.

“You should’ve cleaned it.”

“Didn’t want to wait.”

“Why not?”

His voice is hoarse. “Because last time I waited, you asked me to leave.”

I stare straight ahead.

The cards are still in front of me.

A second draw waiting to happen.

But I don’t lift my hand.

I let it sit over the top of the deck. Still. Steady.

Leon’s locket is warm against my chest again.

My heart keeps time with it.

Tiziano shifts beside me.

Doesn’t speak.

His thigh brushes mine—barely. Enough to feel the heat through denim and skin.

He doesn’t lean in. Doesn’t reach for me.

---