did no

ng closer until her thoughts felt too loud. The room was immaculate,

acci

very detail h

ing at the wall, replayin

always go

quietly redirected long before

ened, she was al

time, his movements unhurried and precise. He did not look like a

have slept

izing my life is

r a moment. "That

u understand peo

stand le

tood, refusing to let him tower over

h," Rowan replied. "

not ho

effici

ened "What ar

u don't attempt contact with anyone outsid

I brea

pened "Then I sto

h dropped

'll

threaten

nformi

"You're acting like

said "Unti

u think people just a

vival rewire

se to something

o decide who I b

ing just short of invading

eath c

, neither of

iberately breaking the tension.

ng w

rotection you

spoke before she could stop

used at

quietly "But you

ood alone with the terrible realization

't rush

s wai