Ivan was already in bed, turned away, one arm flung over his pillow like he always did. His breathing was slow. Even.
But I knew he wasn't asleep.
Neither of us could sleep lately.
I turned toward him.
"Ivan," I said softly.
He hummed without moving. "Mm?"
"If I asked you to quit the army… would you?"
There was a pause. Long enough to make my chest squeeze. Ivan turned slightly, enough to glance back at me over his shoulder.
Then that damn crooked smile tugged at his lips. "What—are you planning to elope?"
I didn't laugh. I didn't even smile. I just stared at him.
And slowly, the grin faded from his face.
"Kael?" he said carefully.
I looked away. "Never mind. It's nothing. I'll… I'll figure it out."
He sat up then, watching me with furrowed brows.
"You're worrying me."
I pushed off the blanket and sat on the edge of the bed, elbows on my knees, hands clenching.
"I have to leave tomorrow," I said, finally. "Maybe a week."
