Movement by the fire drew his attention. Korrin was already up, banking the coals and gathering their things. Tessa stirredbeside him, yawning and stretching with the lazy grace of a well-rested female.
Ember’s eyes fluttered open, finding his immediately. For a heartbeat, neither of them moved. They just looked at each other in the grey morning light, the weight of unspoken words hanging between them.
Then she smiled, soft and uncertain, and his chest tightened with something that felt like hope.
“Morning,” she whispered.
“Morning.”
They rose together, the careful dance of two people trying not to touch too much while desperately wanting to touch more. He busied himself with breakfast while she folded furs and straightened the sleeping platform, her movements quick and efficient despite the lingering sleepiness in her eyes.
The meal was simple—grain porridge with dried fruit and more tea. They ate quickly, the atmosphere charged with the weight of what was to come.
“We should head out before the weather turns,” Korrin said, setting down his empty cup. “Soren will be expecting us.”
Tessa nodded, already shouldering her pack. The two adyani rose at some unspoken signal, shaking out their fur and moving towards the door.
Ember stood abruptly, her hands twisting together in a gesture he had come to recognize as nervousness. “Before you go?—”
All eyes turned to her. She straightened her shoulders, drawing on that core of steel beneath her fragile exterior.
“The trade partnerships you mentioned,” she said, her voice steady despite the color rising in her cheeks. “Soren’s plans for better relationships between Vultor and humans. I’m… interested.”
Korrin’s eyebrows rose. “Interested how?”
“I have resources. Connections. Experience with commerce and negotiation.” She glanced at him, then away. “When I return to Port Cantor, I’ll be taking control of my father’s company. Duvain Enterprises has the infrastructure to support the kind of trade you’re describing. If Soren is serious about building bridges between our peoples, I’d like to be part of that conversation.”
Silence filled the cabin. An unexpected wave of pride washed over him. Despite everything she’d been through, despite the betrayal waiting for her in the city below, she was already planning for a future that extended beyond mere survival.
“That’s quite an offer,” Tessa said slowly. “You’re sure about this?”
“I’m sure.” Her chin lifted, her grey eyes clear and determined. “Whatever happens when I get back, I want to build something meaningful. Something that honors my father’s memory and creates real change. This seems like a good place to start.”
Korrin studied her for a long moment, then nodded slowly. “I’ll tell Soren. We can discuss specifics once you’re established in Port Cantor.” He glanced at Rykan. “Assuming you make it down the mountain safely.”
“She will.” The words came out rough, almost a growl. “I’ll see to it.”
Another loaded silence. Tessa smiled knowingly and exchanged a quick glance with Korrin.
“Then we’ll be in touch.” Korrin extended his hand to him, a gesture of respect between equals. “The offer still stands. If you ever want a place with Soren’s pack, you’ll be welcome.”
He clasped the other male’s forearm in the traditional Vultor greeting. “I’ll keep it in mind.”
They left in a swirl of cold air and the soft padding of adyani paws on snow. He stood in the doorway, watching until they disappeared into the tree line, then closed the door against the chill.
The cabin felt different with just the two of them again. Smaller and more intimate.
He turned to find her watching him, her arms wrapped around herself in a gesture that might have been from the cold or might have been for self-protection.
“We need to talk,” he said.
“We need to talk,” she said at the same moment.
They both stopped and stared at each other. And despite everything—despite the uncertainty and the fear and the impossible complications waiting for them—his lips curved.
“You first,” he said.
“No.” She took a step towards him, her grey eyes fierce with determination. “You first.”
