Chapter 13 Dinner And Decision

• I woke to the soft rustle of curtains and the gentle murmur of footsteps outside my door. It was early evening, and the fading light painted soft patterns on the walls. A familiar knock sounded at my door, steady and reassuring. I pulled the covers aside and swung my legs over the edge of the bed, wincing as the blanket brushed against my healing cuts. Before I could gather my thoughts, the door opened and in walked Holvaster.
• He’d just returned from his business trip, and despite the long hours away, there was an unmistakable warmth in his eyes. His presence filled the room with calm energy that made my heart flutter in ways I hadn’t felt in weeks. I sat up slowly, smoothing back my hair, and offered him a small smile.
• “Good evening, Nadia,” Holvaster said, stepping in and closing the door gently behind him. “How are you feeling?”