Chapter 108

Mara's POV

Ronan had always been quiet before coffee. That morning his silence followed him from room to room.

He put tea beside my place and went back to the hearth without watching me take it. He had been careful about our hands since the storm, but this was different. He watched the fire until the kettle sang again, though neither of us needed more water, and he flinched when the iron shifted in the grate. I wanted to ask whether he had slept. I wanted to make him tell me what frightened him without making a command of the question. When I asked whether he wanted a copy of Arthur’s fourth chapter, he said he had already made one. He didn't come close enough for our sleeves to brush. I couldn't decide whether I missed the contact or was relieved that he was guarding the distance again.

A rider from Black Hollow arrived before noon. Soren had se