Before the Silence
Rhea hadn't meant to fall asleep, but Lex's presence had that effect.
A kind of calm that lived deep in her bones. Like the part of her that had always been Muri could finally breathe again.
She woke to find Lex curled beside her on the couch, half-asleep, tracing lazy circles against the inside of her wrist. Barely touching. Not speaking.
"Morning," Rhea said softly.
Lex didn't look up. "You always did that."
"Did what?"
"Let me sleep on you. Even when I said I wouldn't."
Rhea smiled faintly. "You always said I was too cold."
"You were. Like a very pretty statue. But when you finally let go…"
Lex looked at her now, eyes dark with something gentler than lust.
"You burned like fire."
Then – Three Years Ago, A Memory
A rooftop in Prague. Rain on stone. Muri had pulled Lex up there after a night out, both of them half-drunk on laughter and cheap wine.
"You're ridiculous," Lex had said, shivering.
Muri had handed her a sweater. "You love it."
Lex stepped closer. "I love you."
And Muri—always guarded, always teasing—had blinked at that. The words like a pebble tossed into still water. She hadn't said it back, but her kiss had answered. Fierce. Sure. Like a promise she didn't know how to keep.
Now
"I was going to say it," Rhea whispered. "Back then. That night. But something inside me froze."
Lex brushed hair from Rhea's face. "You didn't need to. I knew."
"But you deserved to hear it."
Lex's expression softened. "Then say it now."
Rhea hesitated.
Lex leaned in, pressed her lips just once to the corner of Rhea's mouth. "Say it like I'm still her. Like you're still you."
Rhea exhaled. Shaking. Quiet. Then:
"I loved you then. And I still do. I tried to forget. But I couldn't. I couldn't unlove you."
Lex didn't speak. She just pulled Rhea into her arms, held her like memory and heartbeat had become the same thing. And for the first time in years, Rhea let herself fall apart—right there in Lex's arms. No code names. No silence. Just them.
Outside, Across the Street
A man sat in a black car, camera in hand.
He zoomed in on the window, where two silhouettes moved as one.
He hit send.
"They're bonded. Emotionally compromised."
The reply came fast:
"Then now is the time. Initiate Phase 2."