NADIA POV
"Asher," I said, twisting the ring on my finger as I watched him change into his sleepwear. "Does Elira seem… different to you lately?"
He paused, then gave a small chuckle. "Different how?"
"I don't know… distant. Cold. She doesn't visit anymore. She avoids eye contact. And she doesn't ask about Loria like she used to."
Asher walked over, took my hand, and pulled me into a kiss. "You worry too much."
"No, I mean it," I murmured against his lips.
But he kissed me again, deeper this time. "Let's not talk about Elira right now. Let's talk about you... and me."
I was just starting to melt into his touch when his phone rang.
"Ugh," I muttered under my breath.
Asher sighed and pulled away. "It's from the border guards."
"Go," I said, trying not to sound irritated. "Duty calls."
He winked at me and took the call, stepping into the hallway.
