Caspian
Asena falls asleep beside me soon after I lay down beside her. I feel the exact moment it happens.
One second she is still tense against my chest, her breathing uneven, her fingers lightly gripping my hand like she is afraid to fully let go, and the next, her body softens completely.
I look down at her quietly. Even asleep, she still looks exhausted, like her body never truly learns how to rest, like years of fear refuse to leave her alone even now. There is a faint crease between her brows, and before I can stop myself, I brush my thumb lightly over it.
It disappears for a second. My chest tightens at the sight. I hate what they turned her into.Not weak but cautious in a way someone her age should never have to be.
I stay there for a while, watching her sleep beside me in my
