Theo blew out the oil lamp, plunging the small room into a deep darkness lit only by the faint starlight filtering through the window.
In the dark, Alias heard the rustle of the wool blanket as Theo awkwardly climbed onto the narrow bench. The wood creaked under his weight. Alias shifted, lying on his side and facing the wall to make as much room as possible.
A moment later, Theo settled behind him.
The physical reality of it was overwhelming. Theo had to lie on his side, his broad chest pressed directly against Alias's back to keep from falling off the edge.
Alias could feel the immense, steady heat of Theo's body radiating through his thin tunic, wrapping around him like a heavy, warm blanket. Every slow, deep breath Theo took pressed against Alias's shoulder blades.
