Alexander POV
The river was quiet this time of day. Just before dusk. When the light turned honey-gold and filtered through the trees like falling coins.
I found her there.
Eliana.
Seated on the grassy bank with legs crossed and sunk into her thought; staring at the top of the water. She used to be left alone, but she could not ever really glance at it. Even in stillness, there was something storm-like beneath her skin. Like a war paused—not over.
She didn’t look up as I approached. She didn’t have to.
The soft dip of her shoulders, the grip of her hands ever so much upon the hem of her robe--she felt I was there.
I made no comment.
I simply sat next to her not touching her but yet so close that I could sense the boundaries of her heat.
She picked up a stone. Turned it over in her
