Dravina POV
"Would you have breakfast with me?" Malrik asked at last, his voice steady, inviting stripped of pretense. "Just us. No third parties. I know you haven’t eaten."
Relief pulsed through me like a sudden breath of air. I gave a silent nod, thankful for the offer thankful that, for once, I wouldn’t have to eat under the scrutiny of watching eyes and masked judgments.
"In the meantime," he added, tilting his head toward me, "let’s get you into something dry."
I reached for the dress I’d discarded earlier, intent on managing it myself. But before I could even grasp the fabric, Malrik was already lifting me into his arms.
"You barely weigh anything," he said with a grin, his tone teasing, light.
Despite myself, I let out a soft laugh quick, uncertain, but genuine. The warmth in
