***Cassius***
I should go downstairs.
The thought repeated itself in my mind as I sat on the edge of my bed, watching Aldrik sleep. His hand was still wrapped around mine, his breathing deep and even, exhaustion having pulled him under almost immediately.
I should extract my hand carefully, leave him to rest, and go back to my shop where I had work to do. Remedies to prepare, supplies to organize, a dozen small tasks that would keep my hands busy and my mind occupied.
But I didn't move.
Aldrik's face was still smudged with soot, his clothes filthy from smoke and ash. He should have washed, changed, done any number of practical things before collapsing into sleep.
But he'd been too exhausted to care about any of that. Had just wanted to stay here, in my space, close to me.
And I'd let him.
