She watched as Hairan staggered into the room, his presence announced long before he fully crossed the threshold. His movements were uncoordinated, his steps uneven and heavy, each one echoing loudly against the floor. It was the kind of noise that could have roused even the deepest sleeper, let alone someone already lying awake in anticipation.
Elka's grip tightened around the sheets, her fingers curling into the fabric until her knuckles paled. Her heart thudded violently against her ribs as he moved further inside. By now, he should have noticed her presence but the copious amount of alcohol he had consumed must have dulled both his senses and his awareness.
Time stretched thin, each second dragging endlessly into the next.
Then, at last, he approached the bed.
