In the following days, Alexa's life became somewhat bearable. She was still carrying out Salari's punishment, and Knight was still guarding her. But after the picnic they had shared, she noticed that he had warmed up to her a bit.

He was still easily annoyed, his forehead always creased, but at least now he accompanied her whenever she ate.

Most importantly, they could now consume all their food without irritating each other.

For her, this was an accomplishment. She felt ...