Pausing in front of one of the large floor-to-ceiling windows, i gazed out into the sprawling gardens bathed in moonlight. The sight was calming, yet it did little to ease the knot of anxiety in my stomach.
I wrapped my arms around myself, allowing a single, shaky breath to escape. I had been so strong, so focused on taking Vanessa down, but in moments like these, the enormity of what we were facing hit me all over again.
Lost in thought, i didn't hear Michael approach until he was standing beside me, his presence solid and comforting. He gazed out the window with me, the silence between us filled with unspoken thoughts.
"Couldn't sleep?" he asked, breaking the silence with a gentle tone.
I shook my head, managing a small, weary smile. "There's a lot on my mind. It's hard to shut it all off."
