Ariane:
I woke in the hush of night, breath shallow and skin too warm. Whether it was the heat or the moon that pulled me from sleep, I could not say — only that I found myself caught in the quiet spell of silver light, spilling like silk through Varek’s open balcony, painting the room in textured shadow.
Though this realm was draped in a starless veil, the moon pierced the darkness, spilling into the room as though it searched for him. It was soft and subtle, like a memory that refused to fade.
My face flushed hot.
Feeling him behind me, I remembered the awkwardness as we figured out how to get into bed and how reassuring and kind he had been toward me despite having no obligation to do anything for me.
He had stayed true to his promise and stayed on his side of the bed.
I loathed
