Tuck had been so kind to offer his bed, but Marcie hadn't wanted to keep it, especially when they were both being so generous and letting her stay. She had felt too alone in such a big bed by herself, and insisted on curling up on the sofa instead. She had the TV on low for company, so she wasn't alone in the dark.
She felt heavy and tired so often lately, thinking constantly of Kaden, wishing for his safe return, and looking at the wooden box that contained everything that was left of the man she'd loved so desperately. Lying next to Much for comfort helped her to rest. The night before, she'd dreamed that Tragos had been with her, and when she'd rolled over, it had been Kaden lying dead, blood pooling under his slashed throat, and she'd been unable to sleep again for hours. She couldn't sleep alone again, at least just for tonight.
When morning came, Marcie drifted up from dreamless sleep, feeling warm and comfortable, a strong presence beside her. In that half-awake space, she'd for a moment thought, Tragos, and turned towards him with her eyes closed, placing a hand on his waist.
And then she'd remembered, and it was like the jolt of a missing stair, and she jerked her hand away with sharp intake of breath, turning her face into the pillow and drawing her limbs in as she tried to breathe silently through hiding her tears.