“Of course,” he says, wanting to have something to need for Torgal, wanting an excuse. “I’ll see you then.”

Something to look forward to, even if it hurts.

As Jill goes, Torgal gets up off his haunches and wanders towards Clive, though he still looks back at Jill’s retreating back. Clive sinks his fingers into the thick mane of the wolf’s neck, sighing, allowing himself to look at her, too.