The room was quiet when the morning light came through the curtains.
It entered slowly, creating a pale strip on the carpet that stopped before the bed. The air felt cool but comfortable, the temperature steady all night.
Arianne woke first. For a moment, she kept her eyes closed, registering warmth before anything else. Not overwhelming. Just the steady presence beside her.
It was only the second night they had shared a bed. It didn't unsettle her, but it made her more aware. Her shoulder rested against Franz's chest. His arm was near—not wrapped around her, but close enough that they were almost touching in sleep. The contact was simple. Direct.
She slowly opened her eyes.
She noticed the ceiling first, then the curtains gently moving with the air system. She didn't move right away. She assessed how close everything was before making adjustments.
Franz stirred a moment later.
