The fire was long gone, but Selena still smelled smoke in her hair. It clung, refusing to leave, like her memories.
Morning light bled faintly through the vines at the cave's mouth. The world outside was waking, but inside, her chest still felt trapped in night.
Kael stood near the entrance, testing the weight of his dagger. His movements were slow, controlled. Not for show. It was like every flick of his wrist meant something.
Selena's gaze stayed locked on him.
The words he'd spoken hours ago wouldn't stop echoing. "Then learn."
Her throat felt dry. "You meant it."
Kael didn't look back at her. "I don't waste words."
She hugged her knees tighter. "What if I'm not " Her voice cracked. She swallowed. "What if I'm not enough?"
Finally, he turned. His expression didn't soften, but his eyes held hers, steady, grounding. "Then you become enough."
