The morning after brought no clarity, only silence.
Serena stood by the narrow window, eyes fixed on the frost curling against the glass like reaching fingers. The chill in the air pressed against her skin, but she didn't move. Her hair tumbled loose around her shoulders, and the soft wool of the blanket clung to her form as if reluctant to let her go.
Behind her, Darius stirred. She heard the sheets shift, the faint creak of the mattress as he sat up. Still, she didn't turn.
"You didn't sleep," he said, voice low and rough from disuse.
"I rested," Serena replied.
Darius didn't argue. He rose, footsteps slow and quiet as he crossed the room. When he stood beside her, he didn't speak right away. He simply looked out the window with her. The sky was pale, cloud-heavy, and the trees that stretched beyond the Ironshade walls were bare, like the bones of giants.
"You still plan to leave in spring," he said at last.
She didn't answer.
