The silence that followed Kai's words was heavy, charged with an uncertainty that the night wind of Akhan could not dissipate. Kai remained seated beside her against the cold stone of the wall, feeling the warmth of her hand interlaced with his.
The sky above them was an expanse of dark velvet, dotted with stars that seemed to observe the hunger and fear of mortals with indifference.
Kai stood up, helping Lyla to her feet. His eyes scanned the makeshift camp in the courtyard. The refugees slept fitfully, the sound of a child crying in their dreams drifted from the warehouse. Nearby, Thorne snored rhythmically with his axe resting against his chest, while Allice had simply disappeared.
"You should rest, Lyla," Kai said softly.
"Tomorrow will be a long day. We have to convince the captain to sell us supplies before the mercenaries decide that Akhan is an easier target than our caravan."
