CLARABEL’S POV

The room felt too small with him in it, but I didn't tell him to leave.

Ever since the stone fell on the balcony, Malakai hadn't let more than a few feet of distance come between us. Two guards were posted outside my chamber door, their heavy boots thudding softly every time they shifted weight. Inside, Malakai sat at the dark wood table near the hearth, papers spread out before him, a inkwell balanced precariously on the edge.

He hadn't mentioned the blood on his sleeve again, though I had watched him bandaging the shallow cut earlier. My chest still felt tight when I thought about how fast...