Just—
Space.
I move past the outer cluster of structures, slipping between shadow and half-broken fencing until the noise dulls just enough to let me think. The river is close here, its slow movement catching what little light is left, and the air shifts cooler, carrying the scent of water and mud instead of ash.
I brace my hands against the rough wood of a post, leaning into it, letting my head drop for a second as I try to steady my breathing.
“Running from your own plan?”
His voice isn’t loud.
It doesn’t need to be.
I don’t turn right away.
“I’m not running,” I say, pushing off the post and straightening. “I’m thinking.”
“Those look similar from a distance.”
I glance back at him.
Verr stands a few steps away, not crowding the space, but not giving it either. There’s dirt along the edge of his jaw, a dark streak of something I don’t want to identify along his sleeve, and his posture is tighter than it was before—controlled, but not untouched.
“You followed me,” I say.
“You left command without saying anything.”
I tilt my head slightly. “You noticed.”
“I notice everything.”
“Not everything,” I reply.
That gets a flicker of something in his expression.
Not quite a reaction.
But close.
The sound of shouting carries faintly from the village, sharp and distant, followed by the dull crack of wood giving way under pressure.
“They’re pushing harder,” I say.
“Yes.”
“And you’re standing here.”
“So are you.”
I exhale slowly, dragging a hand through my hair, pushing it back from my face where it’s stuck from sweat and smoke.
“I needed a second,” I say.
“For what?”
I hesitate.
Just for a beat.
