He had only just finished changing when the bedroom door opened again.
Dakota hurried inside carrying a ceramic bowl with both hands, careful not to spill its contents.
She walked straight toward him before placing it gently into his hands.
"Here," she said with a small smile. "It's still warm."
Kade glanced down at the steaming broth before lifting the bowl to his lips.
The first sip spread soothing warmth across his tongue before slowly easing the persistent soreness in his throat. As he continued drinking, the comforting heat settled deep into his stomach, driving away a small measure of the exhaustion that had weighed upon him throughout the night.
Without realizing it, he emptied the entire bowl.
A quiet breath escaped him.
"...Thank you."
He handed the empty bowl back to Dakota, who accepted it with a pleased smile before quietly carrying it out of the room.
By the time she returned a few moments later, Kade had already climbed into bed.
