Julian finished washing and reached for the towel Riya held out to him. Their fingers barely touched before she withdrew her hand.
She stood quietly beside him, her eyes lowered and her posture perfectly straight. Every movement was careful and measured. Even her breathing seemed controlled, as though she feared that the smallest mistake might draw unwanted attention.
"Where are you from, Riya?"
"Dunmere, young lord. It's a river town, two days south along the Merrow Road."
Julian paused, recalling a few fragments from Kraven's memories.
"I know Dunmere. Is your family still there?"
"My father is. He works in the ferry." She hesitated briefly before continuing. "My mother died when I was twelve."
"I'm sorry."
"It was a long time ago, young lord."
She said it quickly and evenly, as though she had repeated those words to enough strangers that they no longer required any thinking.
