Now, standing with a swelling ankle and watching him hesitate over whether she was worth the inconvenience, she felt something inside her quietly fracture.
Her eyes stung. She turned her face away before he could see.
As she shifted her weight, her gaze fell on the edge of his coat—one button missing.
The sight dragged her back to another night.
Just a week ago, the Healing Division had hosted a gathering in a neighboring territory. She had drunk more berry wine than she intended. By the time it ended, the roads were nearly empty, and the transport wolves had long since retired for the night.
After waiting in the cold for what felt like hours, she finally used her communication stone.
“Nathanie,” she had said, her words slightly blurred. “I can’t find a ride. Could you come get me?”
On the other end, she could hear him running—his breathing steady, controlled.
Olivia’s laughter drifted faintly in the background.
“I’m out with Olivia,” he had replied briskly. “It’s late, and I can’t let her return alone. Wait a couple of hours. I’ll escort her back first. If you can’t wait, take whatever transport you find and tell me the cost.”