Page 138 of Salt Between the Wolves

The distinction clearly mattered to him.

Eira folded her arms.

"I'm not sure it sounds any better."

"That's unfortunate."

The answer was entirely unhelpful, which she suspected was intentional.

His attention returned to the valley.

"Your father won't ignore this."

"No."

"Soren won't ignore it either."

The mention of his name carried none of the tension she had expected, only certainty.

Leander continued.

"Aldric knows that."

The river glimmered below.

"So does Maelin."

Eira's expression tightened.

Neither statement surprised her because both were true.

Leander remained quiet for a moment before adding, "And so do you."

The words settled heavily between them.

For once, she didn't argue because she had known it from the beginning, and every day spent here had simply made it easier to pretend otherwise.

Leander straightened and finally looked directly at her.

"You need time."

The statement sounded familiar now.

"I heard that part."

"I know."

His expression remained calm.

"The problem is that this house cannot give it to you."

The wind carried the scent of sagewood and cold water across the ridge as Eira looked away toward the valley, the roads, and the life continuing beyond her problems.

When Leander spoke again, his voice was quieter.

"Come west with me."

For a moment she thought she had misheard and turned her head sharply toward him.