"I miss you, Kael."
Kael's expression softened, his hazel eyes warm, a quiet ache in his chest at her words.
He reached for her hand, threading his fingers through hers, her skin cool against his warmth.
"I know," he said, his voice low, sincere.
"Things have been all over the place. The Haven's gone, the Reaper's mess, all of it. But I'm gonna fix this, Freya. You and I—this won't get lost in the noise. I promise."
She glanced sideways at him, her blue eyes searching, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "You better."
He grinned, his hazel eyes glinting with mischief. "Now, tell me—how's your promise to get stronger coming along?"
Freya sighed theatrically, nodding toward the kitchen, her platinum-cyan hair shifting, her tank top clinging to her breasts as she leaned back.
"Strength comes from food. And with Liss's cooking? I barely have the energy to stand, let alone train."
Kael chuckled, the sound warm, easing the tension. "It's not that bad."