[Bonus chapter]Aleksi XXXX

I ran my fingers through Ava's still wet hair. Her eyes opened a sliver and smiled sadly. "Leaving again?"

I smiled at her, "You sleep better without me close. Besides I need to go talk with the Elders."

"Hurry back?" She questioned. It was odd to me to see her so unsure of herself. I wanted to stay but she needed to sleep. Sleep that would be as peaceful as it could be. Now that I knew being too close to any of my people for an extended period of time caused her discomfort. I was a stupid idiot. Or so her people would have called me. Her eye lids were red and slightly swollen. She told me it was not my fault but on some level I knew it was.

"Soon," I promised. She smiled at that. Actually smiled. She pressed her cheek into my palm. Her eyes closed and she sighed.

"Times like this you are so peaceful," she said quietly. I wanted to ask. I had so many questions but now was not the time.