SERA
I spent the next two days avoiding Kade as much as possible.
It wasn't hard. He was busy with border patrols, watching for Aldric, managing the compound. I made sure to eat my meals early or late, never when he'd be in the dining hall. I trained alone in the early mornings before he woke up, practicing the forms he'd taught me.
The distance should have made things easier. Instead, it made everything hurt worse.
I missed him. I hated that I missed him, but I did. I missed his rough voice giving corrections during training, the way his eyes would light up when I got something right. Missed those moments when he'd almost smile, like he was surprised by his own reaction.
But Cassandra's words repeated in my head. Better to protect myself now than be destroyed later.
"You look terrib
