I pushed the thoughts away and stood, my head slightly fuzzy from the bourbon. It was late, and I needed sleep. I’d spent the afternoon patrolling the eastern border, then been dragged to that cafe for lunch, then spent hours catching up on paperwork.
Exhaustion was making me overthink things, and alcohol was making me stupid and vulnerable.
Shaking my head, I quietly made my way through the dark halls. Ella would already be asleep by now, just like everyone else in this house. And indeed, when I reached the door, there was no sliver of light spilling out from beneath. A blessing, to not have to talk to her when I entered.
But then Ella’s scent hit me like a brick wall the moment I stepped inside my bedroom. Cherry blossoms and vanilla, sweet and intoxicating, filling every co
