---
And once, in a cave that smelled like dust and decisions and bad self-control, he had opened it to a woman who had been very clear about wanting nothing from him but a night and the location of his mountain.
Her name touched the Road now like a fingertip.
Before he could quite turn his attention, the system noticed for him.
[Ding! Soul-Road ping detected.
Origin: IKEA.
Link strength: moderate.
Sender status: unranked / obscured. Respond? Y/N.]
Kai blinked.
For a second, another message tried to elbow its way in. It was very small and very rude and sounded like Shadeclaw: Of course she picks the night after you almost die to call. Your bed is never going to be just for sleeping, is it.
He ignored the imaginary Shadeclaw and focused on the notification.
IKEA.
