Chapter 36

Drake’s POV

Two days passed without her.

Not silence exactly. I knew where she was. I knew what room she slept in. I knew the guards on rotation. I knew the cameras worked. I knew the doors were locked. Still, the distance felt unbearable.

I had not gone to her because I was angry. I had not gone because I was afraid that if I did, I would not be able to leave again.

That night, I drank.

I told myself it was only one glass. Then another. Then the bottle was empty. I switched to something stronger. The burn in my throat was the only thing that muted the noise in my head.

Every thought led back to her.

Her voice. Her defiance. The way she looked at me during our last fight. Like she was slipping through my fingers and daring me to stop her.

I should not have gone to her like that.

But I did.

The car ride was a blur. The gate opened. The house accepted me like it always did. Quiet. Obedient. Ready.

I walked throug