Chapter 109

A leaf detached from the tree above, its flutter soft and silent as it fell. Talin blew it away before it took residence on her forehead, then turned to her side to avoid the streaks of dawn on her face. Light fingers trailed against her hips.

"You're awake," she murmured.

"Always before you," Brielle answered, her fingers going down the slope of Talin's waist. It continued southward, past the hindering breeches, found its mark.

Talin swallowed. "Are there people...