They settled by the pond, where the grass turned soft and damp, speckled with tiny flowers forgotten by the wind. Rakahn unfolded the blanket with a clumsy loudness, wrestling against a gust that threatened to carry off the entire basket. He cursed under his breath, dropping to one knee to trap a rebellious corner, then reached for a stone without letting go.
Katia, already seated, watched him without a word, her chin resting on her drawn-up knees. Her eyes shimmered with quiet amusement. When he finally managed to stabilize everything, she let out a clear laugh, light and almost stolen from childhood.
"You look like you're setting up camp before an assault."
He froze, breathless, then turned to her with a half-smile.
"A demon would've given me more peace."
