The night became the gentlest reward Aurdis and Erend had known in months. The burdens of war, disastrous prophecy, and responsibility had pressed them apart for too long, stealing moments that should have been theirs.
But when the chamber doors closed and the world finally fell silent, they reclaimed that time.
Moonlight spilled across the room as they came together, slowly at first, as if afraid the moment might break.
Their touches carried relief as much as desire. Their hands lingering longer, they shared their breaths, the tension of countless days easing with every closeness.
The night deepened, and restraint faded into warmth and need. They moved together again and again, guided by familiarity and longing for each other's embrace rather than urgency.
They were not rushed, nor gentle the whole time, but honest and full, stretching long into the night until exhaustion claimed them.
