The silence in the study was absolute, save for the rhythmic ticking of the clock and the soft, steady breathing beside me.
The heavy leather sofa, usually reserved for brooding over tactical maps or reading ancient grimories, had become a makeshift bed.
"Lucien..."
Ariana stirred in my arms, her head resting on my chest. Her ivory hair was a tangled mess, fanned out like a halo of silk. Her glasses lay forgotten on the desk, reflecting the moonlight filtering through the curtains.
"Are you awake?" I whispered, running my hand down her bare back. Her skin was cool now, the feverish heat of our union having settled into a comfortable warmth.
"Mmm." She snuggled closer, wrapping her leg over mine. "I don't want to move. My legs... they feel like jelly."
I chuckled, kissing the top of her head.
"I told you I wouldn't stop."
Ariana hid her face in the crook of my neck. I could feel her smile against my skin.
"You're a beast, Lucien. A complete beast."
