Morning arrived slowly, with soft light coming through the curtains and spreading across the carpet. The room looked tidy and organized. Jackets hung neatly over chairs. Documents stacked neatly on the console. Two glasses of water sat untouched on the bedside table. The suite looked untouched. Nothing out of place. Nothing left open.
Arianne woke first.
She took a moment before moving. She noticed her surroundings—the quiet hum of the air conditioner, the soft sounds of the city through the glass, the warmth beside her. Franz lay next to her, close enough that their shoulders touched. Unlike their first night, no space between them now.
She turned her head slightly to look at him.
He was awake.
His eyes were open and focused, watching the line of light moving across the wall. When he noticed her movement, he turned toward her.
"You're up," she said.
"I've been awake for a minute."
His voice was steady, calm. No sign of stress from the night before.
