Eliana's POV
Kael arrived before noon. I heard the movement before I saw him. Controlled footsteps. The quiet coordination of men used to working together. Enzo's voice murmuring something low, then silence again.
When I stepped into the corridor, they were already there.
Enzo stood slightly to the side while Kael faced forward, a small supply case resting at his feet.
For a brief second, His eyes lit up when he saw me.
Relief.
Real relief.
But like the soldier he was, he buried it almost immediately behind discipline. His posture straightened, his expression returning to the controlled calm I was used to.
"You look terrible," he said.
I almost laughed. "That's your greeting?" I asked.
"You disappeared into a snake pit," he replied. "You should be grateful I didn't say worse."
"I've been called worse."
A faint smirk touched his lips.
"Good. Means you're still yourself."
"I told you I would be fine."
"You usually say that right before things explode," he replied dryly.
