[Champa, Royal Palace, Next Day]
As the first rays of sunlight filtered into the chamber, Karna slowly stirred from his slumber. He became aware of a warm weight against his back and the sensation of being held in a gentle embrace. Blinking his eyes open, he remembered the events of the previous night—the arrival of Scáthach, their conversation, and the unexpected turn of events that led them to share the bed.
Carefully, so as not to disturb the sleeping Scáthach, Karna shifted slightly to face her. Her serene expression as she slept, a stark contrast to the fierce warrior he had seen before, filled him with a sense of calm. He studied her features—the delicate curve of her lips, the softness of her purple hair, the way her lashes cast shadows on her cheeks—and found himself captivated by her beauty.
