I found Kael on the roof later, his usual spot since we'd arrived at Black River. The moon was nearly full, casting silver light across space. Making everything look peaceful and beautiful.
"There you are."
"Here I am." He didn't turn. "How fared the girl talk?"
"Liana asked about you."
"And?"
"I told her everything."
Now he turned. "Everything?"
"She noticed you're different. Hunter senses. I couldn't lie to her."
"How did she react?"
"She laughed. Called it a romance novel plot."
Despite his worry, Kael smiled. Small but genuine. "Not wrong."
I joined him, sitting close enough that our shoulders touched. The bond hummed between us—warm, steady, comforting. Like coming home.
Through it, I felt his lingering concern. About tomorrow. About the monster. About my facing it.
I sen
