I climbed the stairs with a forced calm, determined to maintain some sense of distance. I'd cooked, but that didn't mean I was about to start playing the perfect host.
I told myself this, over and over, hoping it would help me rein in any lingering signs of weakness before I faced her.
This wasn't about kindness; it was about practicality. She'd need her strength before leaving, and I'd need her gone before I started questioning my choices.
Reaching the top, I pushed open the door to find her lying on her side, dozing peacefully in my bed, wrapped in a quilt that suddenly seemed too soft, too inviting.
I frowned, hoping the act of scowling might somehow shield me from whatever was messing with my resolve. She looked almost peaceful, and it was incredibly… unsettling.
"Alyndra," I called, but my voice came out softer than intended. I cleared my throat, annoyance prickling at me. "Wake up. Food's ready, and you're not staying here forever."