you are what you love

Ellyra

Get hot
Get too close to the flame

Ellyra opened her mouth to argue and then actually stopped herself, lips pressing together as Soh’s firmness cut cleanly through her apology. She huffed out a breath instead, shaking her head once. Her smile softened. “I know leaving made sense. Intellectually, I know that. The Family wasn’t exactly subtle about what they were building.” Her fingers traced the rim of her glass again. The truth was, though she had offered the apology, Ellyra didn’t regret leaving. King’s End had been a reprieve for her, and she had gained more skills in certain areas of patient care that she would not have learned in Stormbreak.

At the mention of Safrin, the lioness’ smile brightened, warming her hazel eyes. “Gods. Of course she did.” A small, yet delighted, laugh escaped her. She leaned back, studying Soh more carefully now. “And you? Ambassador-turned-evacuation-coordinator.” Her brow arched lightly. “Where does that leave you? Because if you think I’m going to let you dodge that question, you’re wildly underestimating how persistent I am.”

There it was again—that familiar spark. Concern, yes. But also warmth.

Wild, open space
Talk like an open book