Kira

Dante's study was warm, lit by firelight and lamplight. He stood by the window when I entered, his back to me, hands clasped behind him.

"Thank you for coming," he said without turning. "I wasn't sure you would."

"You said you'd wait. I believe you." I moved further into the room, keeping distance between us. "But we need to talk. Really talk."

"I know." He finally turned to face me. He looked better than last night. Sober, rested, more himself. "I've been thinking all day about what ...