Binding Stone

Part 2

"Oh, hey," Eve greeted quietly, a little surprised but offering a friendly smile. "Couldn't sleep?"

Cassie shook her head slightly. "Just thirsty." She walked over and poured herself a glass of water.

"If you want, I've got hot chocolate. Still warm," Eve offered, nodding toward a small pot on the stove.

Cassie looked at her for a moment, then nodded and sat down across from her. "Thanks."

Eve poured the drink into a mug and passed it over. Cassie took it with a silent nod.

"This place... is pretty quiet," Eve said after a stretch of silence.

Cassie stared into her cup. "Sometimes too quiet."

Eve chuckled softly. "Guess neither of us is used to that."

Cassie glanced at her. "You come here often?"

"Just a few times," Eve replied casually. "Caleb's kind of... protective. Says this house shouldn't be too empty."

Cassie nodded slightly, not responding right away. She took a sip and looked at Eve again. "You and Caleb... close?"

"Sort of," Eve said, leaning back in her chair. "He's like an annoying big brother. But at least he's reliable."

Cassie gave a faint smile. "I haven't figured that out yet."

"You've got time," Eve said. "But I know he cares."

Cassie looked down, fingers tracing the mug handle. "I'm still learning how to trust."

Eve nodded, more serious this time. "That's the hardest part, huh?"

Cassie didn't answer-just a slow nod. The silence that followed didn't feel heavy for once.

After a few moments, Eve smiled again, a bit brighter. "Anyway... I'm heading into town tomorrow morning. If you're not busy, want to come? I could show you a few places. There's this old bookstore I think you'd like."

Cassie seemed to consider it for a second, then nodded. "Sure. Sounds interesting."

"Great. Let's leave at nine?"

"Nine," Cassie echoed, nodding. "Thanks, Eve."

Eve stood and picked up Cassie's empty mug. "If you ever feel like talking... I don't sleep early."

Cassie looked at her. "Noted."

"Goodnight, Cassie."

"Goodnight, Eve."

***

Morning crept in slowly through the cracks of the window, unveiling fine dust suspended in the air of Cassie's room. Soft light brushed against the walls, stirring the silence that had frozen since the night before. Birds chirped faintly in the distance, followed by a gentle knock at the door.

"Cassie? You up?" Eve's voice came from behind the door-bright, and just a little too cheerful for such a quiet morning.

Cassie rolled over, grabbed the worn hoodie at the edge of her bed, and replied softly, "Yeah, just a sec."

---

A few minutes later, the two of them were in the kitchen. Eve looked relaxed with her hair tied back and a denim jacket on, while Cassie hid the cut on her chin with a thin scarf. Her gaze was sharp, but the dark circles under her eyes betrayed a sleepless night.

"I told Caleb and Agatha we're heading to town," Eve said casually, grabbing an apple off the table and tossing it to Cassie.

Cassie caught it with a faint smile. "Okay. Thanks."