#Chapter 60 Denied Truths

Ember My ribs ache from the injury I received from the rogue attack, a constant reminder of how close I came to losing everything. I rise early each day, moving carefully through my morning routine to avoid aggravating my still healing wounds. Despite the healer’s assurances that my recovery is progressing well, the pain continues to linger. The days start to blur together with briefings, patrol reviews, and administrative tasks. I work through assignments, double check reports, and make every effort to keep my focus where it should be. Beneath the physical strain lies something more distracting, something that troubles me more deeply, the memory of the kiss Kaine and I shared. I find myself continually haunted by the memory of his touch and the warmth of his lips against mine. Whenever my thoughts stray or the room grows quiet, my mind inevitably returns to that moment. Each encounter with Kaine, each quiet discussion about the Chantarelle investigation, serves as another rem