20

~Vaela

Pacing back and forth, I watch Hale, blissfully entertained by his sketchbook under the dim candlelight.

“I’m bored,” I complain.

“There are plenty of things to do,” he responds distractedly.

After dinner, we found ourselves in one of the far, generally avoided rooms. I’m not sure why we stay away. It’s calm in here, with the low lighting, plenty of books and generous seating.

“Not really. Larsen has returned to whatever hellscape he comes from, Eyla is working and…” I draw off, swinging my arms around hopelessly.

“You could read?”

“All I ever do is read these days.” I stride in front of him, back and forth. He doesn’t glance up.

Groaning, I fall back into the chair opposite him in the most dramatic fashion I can manage. Boredom leeches from every pore, yet nothing sounds appetising enough to sate it.

Getting out of the cave would help, but I can already anticipate Hale's reaction if I brought it up.

Finally, Hale sets down his sketchbook, holding my gaze with him. “We can talk