'...Whatever. Let's just do it as I remember.'
Soren took a slow, silent breath, forcing his body to move on pure muscle memory. He stepped forward, bent down, and carefully slid one arm behind her back and the other beneath her knees.
The instant he lifted her, the reality of her proximity hit him full force, but he locked his jaw and moved with mechanical precision. He carried her the short distance and placed her gently onto the mattress. Bending over slightly, he reached for the blanket and pulled it up over her shoulders, keeping his movements as steady and natural as possible.
"...Soren."
Her low voice cut through the quiet room, causing him to freeze instantly, his fingers still gripping the edge of the blanket. He forced his expression to remain entirely neutral before looking up to meet her eyes.
"What is it?" he asked, keeping his tone calm.
