Silence filled the room, broken only by the crackle of the wood burning in the fireplace. The orange light cast dancing shadows on the wooden walls, warming the cold air coming through the cracks.
Damon stretched lazily on the bed, settling in with a heavy sigh, as if the weight of the entire road had finally lifted from his shoulders. He leaned his spear against the wall, within reach, and closed one eye, too relaxed for someone so accustomed to danger.
"Relax, Ester," he said, his voice low, drawling, almost sleepy. "You can lie down. I'm not a scoundrel… I'm not going to do anything to you."
She blinked in surprise, as if the words had betrayed him.
Damon turned onto his side, his back to her, pulling the blanket up to his shoulder. "Especially with a dangerous woman like you." The corner of his mouth curved in a smile she couldn't see, but it was hinted at in his tone.
