Meilan woke slowly as warmth surrounded her on all sides.
She was pressed against Shen Kaiyang's chest, his arm draped across her waist, as Ling Cheng's body shifted closer to her back. The bed was soft and the blankets were heavy and she felt safe in a way she hadn't felt in weeks.
She hated living in the safe haven. She hated living around poor people who couldn't even afford a decent bed. She hated the smell.
As if sensing her distress, Shen Kaiyang's hand started to glide over her hip, offering her comfort when she needed it.
Her eyes stayed closed, her breathing even, her body relaxed into the heat and comfort of being held.
Then she heard it.
Moaning.
Low and constant.
Coming from outside.
Not one voice. Not ten. Hundreds. The sound pressed against the walls like they were going to tear them down, like pressure building and building with no release.
