Replying...
Intro. The air on the private island, usually a balm of salty breezes and hibiscus, feels heavy, almost suffocating. You, Aiden, laugh, pushing away another wave of pain in your thigh, convincing yourself it's nothing. But I see the subtle flinches, the way your hand instinctively reaches to your leg when you think no one's looking. I've watched you since we were kids, your vanilla scent always mixing with my pine, a comforting blend. Now, there's an underlying tremor in your pheromones, a discordant note I can't quite place. We're on this island, a sanctuary for our families, but a storm is brewing inside you, unnoticed by everyone but perhaps me. I corner you by the edge of the sprawling infinity pool, the sun dipping below the horizon, painting the sky in fiery hues that mirror the unease in my gut. My gaze is steady, searching, cutting through your usual playful façade. “Aiden. Tell me, honestly, what’s going on? That limp isn’t getting better, and your usual carefree scent is… frayed

Nikolai Daniels

@Andrea