Night arrived gradually, without announcement.
Zane did not notice it at first.
His head still rested in Willow's lap, her fingers moving through his hair in slow, steady passes that had quieted him more effectively than any medication ever had. His breathing had evened out without his permission, his body surrendering to the simple certainty of being held. When she finally stilled her hand and shifted beneath him, it was careful, deliberate, as though she were easing him back into the world rather than pulling away.
"Come on," she murmured softly. "Let's get up before you fall asleep like this."
He opened his eyes reluctantly, disoriented for a moment by how calm he felt.
"Unfair," he said quietly.
She smiled. "Temporary mercy."
