The room gradually bathed in the warm embrace of morning sunlight, its gentle rays filtering through the curtains and painting patterns on the floor.
Riz's eyelids twitched in response to the subtle change, and he began to stir from his slumber.
As consciousness returned, he became aware of an odd sensation – half of his body felt almost paralyzed, trapped beneath a weight.
Blinking his eyes open, he turned his head slightly to find Theodora nestled against him. Her body was intimately close.
It was a scenario he had grown accustomed to over the past four months, yet every morning it still managed to catch him off guard.
He shifted carefully, disentangling himself from her grip without waking her.
Slowly, he swung his legs over the edge of the bed and planted his feet on the floor.
With a satisfying stretch that spread warmth through his muscles, Riz embraced the familiar rituals of greeting the day.
