They walk hand in hand, the hallway is quiet, lanterns casting a warm glow as he shows her around the training room, the kitchen, and the common area. He talks, but every few sentences he forgets what he was saying because he keeps glancing at her.

Christa notices. And for once, she doesn’t feel self conscious. She feels… seen. They stop at the end of the hall, near a window overlooking the darkened courtyard. The moonlight spills across the floor, painting everything silver.

Jace turns to ...