Sleep came easier next to Khyan. Dreams were softer, memories were kinder. She was sleeping now, her mind filled with nothing but romping through endless fields of wildflowers with a familiar figure by her side. He tackled her into the grass, laughter filling the air surrounding them, and Idalie giggled as she lay on her back, facing up. He blocked out the sun, his shadow eclipsing her, and all was joyful and comfortable.

The tang of salt filled the air and the scene grew somber, blue skies shifting to gray. Khyan's face had crumpled and tears dripped from his face onto hers, and Idalie's chest squeezed in sympathy. Why was he so sad? What had happened to make him feel this way?

Her eyes opened to find him by her side. Salt still tickled at her nose, though she couldn't tell if he was still crying. Her brows drew together and she curled closer to him, pressing her nose to his cheek with a soft hum, hoping to pull his attention from wherever he was currently trapped to her once more.

"Khy," she murmured, fitting herself flush to his side. "Can't sleep?"