Chapter 96: Eclipsing Fears

Taylor’s heart raced as she quietly closed the door to the spare room where Mia was now resting. The apartment felt different, like the air had thickened with the weight of secrets. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself before returning to the living room. Alex was still on the couch, but now she was awake, her phone in hand. She looked up as Taylor entered, a sleepy smile on her face. “Hey, you’re back. Everything okay?” Taylor forced a smile, her stomach twisting with guilt. “Yeah, everything’s fine. Just ran out for some fresh air.” Alex nodded, but her eyes lingered on Taylor, studying her in that way she always did when something didn’t quite add up. “You sure? You look a little... off.” “I’m fine, really,” Taylor insisted, sitting down beside her. She reached out, brushing a strand of hair from Alex’s face, the touch soothing her frayed nerves. “I just needed to clear my head.” Alex leaned into the touch, her hand finding Taylor’s and giving it a gentle squee