The following days passed with Kael always by her side, his presence a constant, reassuring warmth in the quiet confines of his room. He hovered near her whenever she stirred, his strong hands always ready to support her elbow if she so much as shifted on the bed.

When she reached for a glass of water, he'd beat her to it, lifting it to her lips with a steady grip, his eyes locking onto hers until she took a sip and nodded her thanks. And just like that, her belongings began to move into his space bit by bit, a pair of her slippers, a small vial of her favorite...