Arkanos watched as Illena's breathing steadied, her flushed face softening as she drifted off to sleep. A small smile crept onto his lips as he studied her.
"Cute," he murmured, his tone unusually tender.
Just as he reached out to brush a stray lock of her silver-green hair from her face, a familiar voice echoed in his mind.
"I have returned with news, my Lord."
Arkanos's expression immediately shifted to his usual composed demeanor. He pulled the sheets up, gently covering Illena's body, ensuring she was warm and comfortable.
With a final glance at her sleeping face, he stood and grabbed his robes, draping them over himself, tying the ropes as he moved toward the balcony.
The cool night breeze greeted him as he stepped out, his golden eyes scanning the shadows. His gaze landed on a figure perched on the window frame, balancing effortlessly on the edge of the building.
