The first pale light of the next morning filtered through the grimy windows of the Cleaner's Association bedroom when Ram stirred.
He reached out an arm, expecting to find Nyra sleeping beside him, but the space was empty, the sheets cool to the touch.
He sat up, a groan escaping his lips as the memories of the previous night came flooding back, vivid and intense.
A strange mix of sensations washed over him.
Physically, he felt surprisingly refreshed, a vibrant energy humming through his veins that was more than just the aftermath of a good night's sleep.
Emotionally, however, he felt a distinct sense of awkwardness.
He hadn't planned for things to escalate the way they had, not with Su Mu, and certainly not with Nyra.
It was one thing to acknowledge a growing attraction, another entirely to act on it with such unrestrained passion.
He ran a hand through his hair, a wry smile playing on his lips.
