POV: Ashina
The war council lasted until past midnight, everyone exhausted but wired on adrenaline and fear. When it finally disbanded, Ashina found herself alone with Kendrick in their shared suite when had she stopped thinking of it as "his" room? tension humming between them like a live wire.
Seven days. They had seven days to prepare for a battle that could destroy everything.
"You should sleep," Kendrick said, but made no move toward the bed. He stood by the window, staring out at the moonlit territory, his shoulders tight with stress.
"So should you." Ashina moved closer, drawn by the bond and something deeper. "But we both know neither of us will."
He turned to face her, and the raw emotion in his eyes made her breath catch. Fear and determination and love so fierce it physically hurt to witness.
