The tension after Namik's visit didn't fade—it settled deep into the walls.
Asli could feel it everywhere.
In the way the guards spoke less.
In the way Ferhat stayed more alert.
In the way silence now carried meaning.
She found him outside that evening, standing alone, staring into the distance.
"You don't rest, do you?" she asked.
"I rest when it's safe."
"And when is that?"
"Never."
She crossed her arms. "That's not living."
"That's surviving."
Asli stepped closer. "There's a difference."
Ferhat looked at her, something unreadable in his eyes.
"Trusting people gets you killed."
"And not trusting anyone destroys you anyway."
The words hit harder than she expected.
Because for a moment…
He didn't argue.