The storm had finally passed. Golden morning sunlight filtered through the tent walls, replacing the darkness and thunder of the previous night with warmth and peace.
For several moments, neither Rafael nor Aria moved. The campsite was quiet. Only birds singing outside and the gentle sound of water from the nearby lake could be heard.
Everything felt calm.
Then Rafael slowly opened his eyes. A strange warmth rested against his shoulder. His brows furrowed.
For a few seconds, his sleepy mind couldn't understand what felt different.Then he looked down and froze.
Aria was sleeping beside him far too close.
At some point during the night, both of them had shifted in their sleep.
Now Aria's head rested against his shoulder while his own head leaned slightly against hers. Their blankets had become tangled together. Their hands rested only inches apart.
For several seconds Rafael completely stopped breathing.
His brain shut down.
"What..."
He whispered.
