The moment the door slammed shut behind Raya, the room fell into a heavy, suffocating silence.
The sound of the bang still echoed faintly off the walls, lingering like an accusation. Adrian didn't move immediately. He stood frozen in place for several long seconds, his jaw tight, his dark eyes fixed on the closed door as if he could still see her standing there, angry, hurt, and slipping further away from him with every word they had exchanged.
His chest rose and fell with controlled breaths, but inside, something restless and unfamiliar churned.
Then, abruptly, he moved.
He strode toward the door with long, purposeful steps and pulled it open, stepping halfway into the dimly lit hallway as if he intended to go after her right then and there.
"Ra..."
The name died halfway on his tongue.
His steps slowed.
Then halted completely.
