The soft glow of dawn filtered through the thin fabric of the tent as Kaian and Chiva lay tangled in each other’s arms, their bodies still warm and exhausted from the night before and the countless times when they made love. Neither had spoken much afterward, the intensity of their connection leaving them breathless and raw. Sleep had claimed them swiftly, their hearts still racing as they held onto the fragile comfort of each other’s presence.
But their peace was short-lived.
The shrill blare of the alarm cut through the silence like a blade, sending both of them jolting upright in a rush of confusion. For a heartbeat, they stared at each other, disoriented and unprepared for the abrupt end to their stolen moment.
Kaian was the first to move, his training taking over as he scrambled to
