Chapter 4

Minutes that stretched out in the dim kitchen, measured only by the rise and fall of Alexei's chest.

But eventually, the frantic rabbit-heart rhythm in Finn's chest slowed.

The ringing in his ears faded to a dull hum.

His muscles, which had been locked tight enough to snap, loosened into a heavy, boneless exhaustion.

He was still on the floor, still curled up, but he wasn't shaking anymore.

He uncurled slightly.

Just enough to rest his cheek against his knee, looking at Alexei across the tiles.

Alexei saw the shift immediately.

He didn't move closer, but his shoulders dropped a…