The scent of sizzling eggs and roasted herbs wafted through the kitchen as I stirred the skillet with mechanical precision.
The rhythm of cooking chop, stir, season usually offered a reprieve from my chaotic thoughts, but this morning was different. My fingers tightened around the wooden spoon as the memory of last night clawed its way back into my head.
That kiss.
It had been a moment of weakness, a lapse in judgment I couldn't afford. Yet, the softness of Alyndra's lips, the way her breath hitched against mine, replayed in maddening clarity. I clenched my jaw, refusing to let the memory linger any longer.
"Focus," I muttered under my breath, slamming the skillet harder than necessary onto the counter. Today, I would ensure there was no room for distractions.
Alyndra's training would be relentless. If she was going to stay here against my better judgment she needed to become stronger.