FREYA
The next morning, we leave at first light, and Eli comes down to the cars to see us off.
He is lighter this morning than I have seen him in weeks. He does not know what I know. His ease is built on a floor I can see the cracks in, and watching him stand easy in the morning cold is its own small bitterness.
He checks the cars himself. He counts the guards and his brows draw down but he does not comment on me doubling the guard.
I trusted him not to. He understands the need for security with everything going on as much as I do.
"Be careful," he says as I get into the official vehicle behind Victoria and Martin.
I nod in response and he takes a step back as we get ready to leave.
Victoria settles Martin into his seat between us and we pull out through the gates with the full ento
