Adam leaned forward, pressing a gentle kiss against Ella's forehead. His lips lingered there for a moment, as if sealing a quiet promise into her skin.
"Sleep now," he whispered, his fingers tracing slow, soothing circles along her cheek. "Tomorrow is going to be a long day, you will need your strength."
"Okay…" Ella murmured softly.
She closed her eyes obediently, willing herself to drift into sleep, but her mind refused to quiet. Thoughts fluttered restlessly, like birds trapped beneath her ribs. And after a few moments, her eyes opened again, finding Adam still beside her, watching her.
"What about your parents?" she asked quietly. "And your home in Gavaria… do you not have duties to them?"
Adam exhaled slowly, his hand moving to tuck a loose strand of her hair behind her ear.
"I do," he admitted, his voice low. "But I also have a duty to my heart."
