( it is a relief to simply close the door of their quarters and hold onto his sleeve when he releases her hands; as if that will keep the wolves from the door. the longer this war draws out, the more dangerous the compromises they have survived with so far.

she turns her face against his shoulder. )

Marcus acted promptly. The Commander acted promptly. It is...it is as it is. A bizarre day. Commander Flint has made much of his interest in the affairs and future of mages, it seemed. Prudent. To see which way he would jump.

( her pride still stings a little that he called her on it, but there were hardly preferable alternatives. )