It was still dark outside when Arlan opened his eyes. As expected, his body felt refreshed. He had good sleep for the first time in days and his mood felt infinitely better.
He realized his right hand was holding something, a delicate warm palm. He turned his head to look at the owner of that hand. Oriana was sitting by his bedside, sleeping with her left arm folded under her head as a pillow, while her right hand was gripping his.
He turned to his side in her direction without removing his hand from hers and kept his stare on her sleeping face.
A small face filled with youth's vibrant charm, with long, luscious eyelashes, shapely brows and smooth skin that was neither pale white nor tanned, her features balanced and exquisite.
'So innocent she looks outside when her thoughts are all but innocent.'
A light smile painted itself on his face as he gently squeezed her hand.
