Caleb's pov

When the session ended, I dismissed Verity with a short nod, keeping my tone clipped and professional, though inside I was anything but. She bowed her head in that polite little way of hers, scooped up her paper and charcoal, and hurried off toward the quarters Cassian had assigned her.

I stood there for a long while, sword still in my hand, sweat dripping down my temples, watching her figure disappear around the corner. My chest felt too tight, my breath unsteady.

Shaking my ...