Irina lay quietly against Liam's chest, her head resting comfortably against him as the final traces of daylight disappeared beyond the forest. Night had finally fallen over Elaris, bringing with it a darkness that seemed deeper than usual beneath the enormous trees. The moonlight barely reached the forest floor, its pale glow filtering through layers of leaves and branches before scattering across the ground in faint silver patches.
They were both fully clothed now, settled quietly on the enormous tree branch they had chosen as their hiding place.
Irina was asleep.
Her breathing had become slow and steady, and the tension that normally remained in her body whenever she was awake had completely disappeared. Liam sat with his back against the massive trunk, one arm wrapped comfortably around her while his other hand gently rubbed her back.
He didn't mind waiting.
In fact, he was perfectly comfortable like this.
