The moonlight caught him like a spotlight, transforming his disheveled suit into something almost mythical. His hair was wild, chest heaving slightly from the exertion, but his eyes were bright with leftover adrenaline. The suede light seemed to cling to him, as if reluctant to let go of someone who moved through it so beautifully.

“You two okay?” he asked, his voice rough with concern. The genuine worry in his tone made something in Juniper’s chest expand and squeeze simultaneously. Her stomach tightened with a warmth that had nothing to do with their escape, the sensation spreading like fire through her veins as she took in the sight of him - powerful yet gentle, dangerous yet protective.

Sophia broke the spell with a delighted laugh, smoothing her tangled blonde curls, her eyes dancing between them with barely contained glee.

“Yeah, I definitely need a shower after all that.” She shot Juniper a knowing look, clearly caught between amusement and exasperation at how they were both staring at Daniel, their faces painted with matching expressions of awe that made them look more like starstruck college students than seasoned professionals.