For a long while afterward, Phei or Melissa seemed interested in moving.
Melissa remained nestled between Phei's legs beneath the thick blanket, her back resting comfortably against his chest while his arms circled her from behind. The lanterns around the ancient tree had burned lower, their amber flames gentler now, and the moonlight had spread across the ocean until a broad silver road seemed to begin beneath the cliff and continue all the way toward the horizon.
Every now and then the hanging bed swayed beneath the breeze, carrying the faint scent of salt through the pale curtains surrounding them.
Phei had become almost suspiciously quiet.
Melissa knew why.
His hand had not properly left her stomach since she told him.
Sometimes his palm merely rested there, warm and broad over the soft fabric covering her.
