Morning came with the cawing of blackbirds and a brittle fog that clung to the earth like smoke. Kai packed their things. Kleo moved slower, quieter, as if afraid to make any noise in a place that barely tolerated their presence.
Her attitude towards him didn't change, even after a restful night of sleep.
"Do you hate me or something?" Kai asked, bluntly.
"No. Just... Do you think I want to be free of you?" Kleo asked, looking up at him.
'Oh.'
He patted her head and smiled.
"If you still want to hang around afterwards, you can. It'll be bloody, though. You won't like what you see. I can't guarantee that people like your sister won't become casualties of war."
'Just like that girl from the tome...'
"I told you. I believe in you. And maybe you'll need someone to remind you about the important things if you stray too far."
"It's too late for that..." Kai trailed off.
