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Across an ocean, in a rented flat in the Western Neutral Territory, Mara sat on the couch with a mug of tea.

An international newspaper had been left on the coffee table. She picked it up idly.

The photo on the front page: a man bowing his head before a crowd.

Her chest moved. Tears landed on her hands. She pressed her palm flat over her sternum and bent forward, and her head was blank.

Riven came out carrying a plate of fruit. He saw her hand and went still.

He sat down next to her and pulled her close, and in the same motion he turned the newspaper over.

"You okay?"

She leaned against his shoulder.

"I'm fine. I've just been stuck inside too long."

She looked up at him.

"When are you going to let me go out? You said you found me a spot at the Healing Academy."

Riven flicked her nose and smiled.

"Already handled. You start next month."

Mara's eyes lit up. She threw her arms around him.

"Riven, you're too good to me."

She buried her face in his shoulder, laughing.

He held her. His eyes went to the window.

Snow on the mountain peaks catching the light. Everything looked fine.

But he knew better. This was borrowed time.