THIRD PERSON POV
The tent was too quiet. Outside, there were faint voices, the occasional clatter of dishes and the hum of the morning wind against the canvas walls. But in here, just him, just her, the silence pressed like stone.
Kael stood near the center unmoving, his broad shoulder weighted as if he were carrying more than his own frame could bear. His head was bowed, his hair falling slightly into his face and shadows hiding the tears that threatened.
Ravenna stood closer to the cot, hands clenched at her sides. She could still hear Riven’s muffled sobs in her mind even though the girl had quieted outside. Her heart hadn’t slowed since. It beat hard, erratic and uneven, like a bird’s wings trapped in a cage.
Kael hadn’t spoken in seconds. Ravenna’s decision on leaving had made hi
