The knocks were soft.
Three firm, but respectful, knocks echoed on the wooden door.
Elizabeth looked up slowly. Her eyes were still slightly swollen, though she had wiped her face and caught her breath. The room was bathed in low light—dusk was beginning to fall, tinging the sky outside with cool hues.
She took a second to organize her voice. "Come in."
The doorknob turned carefully.
Kael entered.
He was different.
He wasn't the armed, watchful man who had carried her through the streets as if always ready for battle. Now he wore a light fabric shirt, wider at the shoulders, the sleeves rolled up to his forearms. His trousers were simple, comfortable, nothing that suggested formality or rank. His hair, still slightly disheveled, gave him a more… human appearance.
Less of a commander.
More someone who belonged in that house.
He closed the door behind him gently.
For a brief moment, his eyes scanned the room before landing on her.
