“I missed you both more than you'll ever know.” Lori shifted herself forward to hug her sister tightly. They embraced for a moment before parting.
“I do hope Sivelle is alright on her own,” Faye mumbled.
“Me too. Maybe we can try to contact her once we get back to Banesteppe? The demons may know some way we can get a letter to her.”
“Yes, that would be a good idea.” Faye yawned widely again, her pale blue eyes were heavy and vacant with exhaustion.
“Come, let's worry about this tomorrow.” Lori tucked the sheets up under her chin. “We both need to sleep.”
Faye didn't respond, her eyes were already closed. She sighed softly.
Though she was more tired than she had ever been in living memory, Lori tossed and turned. She felt strangely empty and alone despite the warmth of her sister beside her.
She felt foolish to admit, even to herself, that she was missing her demon - just as she had the night before. He was only just outside and yet it felt like there were miles between them.
She had spent her entire life sleeping alone and yet now, after mere days, it felt alien to sleep without him beside her.
Lori rolled over, restlessly. Faye mumbled something, deep in sleep and twitching gently.
An hour or more ticked by and yet sleep still refused to envelop her. Lori huffed irritably.
“This is ridiculous,” she whispered to herself and sat up decisively.
Lephas was only down the hall, she pushed the sheets from her body. He was probably already fast asleep and yet she swung her legs from the bed. Would he be angry if she woke him? Lori eased herself off the mattress, wincing as the frame creaked loudly.
She glanced over her shoulder; Faye slept on soundly.
Lori tiptoed to the end of the bed and looked at the curiously empty camp bed. Indi was nowhere to be seen. The faerie must have found a warm bed somewhere else. She smiled to herself.
The princess crept slowly to the doorway and slipped out into the cold, dark corridor. Her thin, silk nightdress offered little protection and Lori shivered, wrapping her arms around herself.
As she hurriedly crept towards the lounge area, she noticed the familiar warm glow was absent. The firemust have died off, plunging the cottage into darkness. Only the moons' glow lit her path and spears of soft light shone through the wide kitchen window.
Though she could barely see, Lori recognised the large, dark shape sprawled out over the chair as her demon.
She stood hesitantly at the base of the large piece of furniture. Her heart raced in her chest and she shifted from foot to foot.
What was she doing? This was crazy. Lori crept forwards and, with a deep breath, gently clambered beneath the thick blanket beside him.
Lephas jolted with surprise as she accidentally woke him. She winced, feeling embarrassed.
“Lori?” he asked, his voice thick with sleep.
“Hi. Sorry, I couldn't sleep. I just–” she whispered, relieved when the demon shuffled his body across to give her more room beside him.
As her cool skin met with his, she realised that he had removed his undershirt and trousers. She gracelessly flopped down, the demon's hot body feeling heavenly against her.
“Are you alright?” Lephas asked, starting to come to his senses.
“Yes, I'm fine. I just wanted to sleep here instead.With you,” she finished, dumbly. It sounded so pathetic when she said it out loud. Lori bit her cheek.
“You passed over areal bedto come out here on this lumpy thing?” He laughed quietly, wrapping his arms around her.
“Always.” Lori sighed and snuggled herself against him. She tucked her head beneath his chin and was amazed at the heady relaxation that overwhelmed her. She closed her eyes.
Lephas gently stroked his fingers up and down her back before curiously smoothing his palm down over her hip.
“What are you wearing?” he eventually asked.
