Chapter 208. Reason for His Return

Caleb’s POV

I leaned against the back of the couch, my fingers lazily tracing the rim of my glass, watching as Caroline and Jade laughed over some inside joke I had missed. The games room was warm with the scent of alcohol and mischief, the air thick with the kind of ease that only came when old friends gathered after too long apart.

My gaze drifted to Shane, who sat at the far end of the room, his fingers wrapped tightly around his drink. He hadn’t said much, just watched us with this quiet intensity, like he was here but not fully settled. Like something was still weighing him down.

I cleared my throat, leaning forward slightly. “How have you been, man?” My voice was casual, but getting past everything that had happened in the past wasn’t going to be as easy as I thought. Still, I had given Aurora my word that I would try my best.

Shane exhaled sharply, a half-smirk tugging at his lips. “Didn’t get into trouble, if that’s what you’re asking.” His voi