I lower my head slightly, resting my cheek against the crown of her hair as my hand continues its slow rhythm along her back.
“Easy,” I murmur again, softer this time. “It is only a dream.”
The bond pulses faintly as the fear begins to loosen. Good. At least she is listening to me.
“In,” I say quietly.
Her breath shudders as she pulls air into her lungs.
“Out.”
Another tremor passes through the bond, weaker this time. The hell heat finally settles into a reluctant stillness beneath my ribs.
Outside the cottage the shouting grows louder as the village wakes fully to the fire now devouring the distant shed. The glow flickers faintly against the window, painting the walls in restless shades of orange and gold.
Elowen shifts slightly in my arms before finally opening her eyes. For a second she stares at me, disoriented. Then recognition settles across her face.
“Threxian?”
“I am here,” I repeat quietly.
Her gaze drifts downward briefly and the faintest flush warms her cheeks. Only then do I realize we are still exactly as we were when sleep claimed us. Entangled.
Bare skin pressed against bare skin beneath the tangled blankets. I arch a brow slightly.
“Well,” I say mildly, “this is an encouraging sign.”
Her confusion deepens.
“What is?”
“You are awake,” I reply calmly, “which means you survived the experience of last night.”
Her eyes widen.
“I—”
She abruptly pulls the blanket higher around herself, clearly remembering exactly what happened. A slow grin threatens to form.
“Do not look so alarmed,” I continue. “You performed admirably.”
“Threxian.”
“Yes?”
She glares at me.
“You are not helping.”
“I disagree,” I say thoughtfully. “Humor is a very effective distraction.”
Despite everything, the corner of her mouth twitches.
“Besides,” I add, glancing meaningfully toward where her legs are still tangled with mine beneath the blankets, “the real question is whether you are capable of walking today.”
Her face turns several shades darker.
“I can walk perfectly fine.”
