The warmth and contentment of Karl’s embrace is tarnished by the cold reality of our impending battle. Neither of us wants to move and break the spell of calm that’s fallen over the room. The sky outside is still bright, but there isn’t much time before nightfall. There are a million things I should be doing to prepare for this, but all I can think about is what Marija said to me last night, in Tran’s garden.

Karl's expression is difficult to read, but through our link ...