Elara’s POV
Just when I’m starting to seriously worry, I hear movement in the trees. My hand goes to my knife, but then Kael emerges from the darkness, dragging a decent-sized deer behind him.
Relief floods through me so intensely, I feel dizzy. A big smile spreads across my face despite the fever burning in my cheeks.
“You’re back,” I say, and I can hear the relief in my own voice.
“Did you doubt I would be?”
He drops the deer near the fire and starts pulling out his own knife to dress it.
“Maybe a little.”
I watch him work, marveling at his efficiency.
“With you around, I will never have to worry about going hungry,” I say gleefully.
Something shifts in his expression at my words; there’s a pleased satisfaction that he tries to hide but doesn’t quite manage to. The corner of hi
