As the room remained cloaked in the quiet of the night, Derek's thoughts drifted through the darkness. The chill outside had seeped into the room, and he was about to suggest calling a maid to remedy the situation when he felt something unexpected.
A soft, warm blanket was draped over him, and he could feel its comforting weight enveloping his form. The gesture took him by surprise, and for a moment, he hesitated, unsure of what had just transpired.
He had been ready to get up to address a maid because of the cold that had begun to creep through the room, but the unexpected act of kindness gave him pause. Derek hastily shut his eyes, feigning slumber, not wanting to betray the awareness of the person responsible for this small but meaningful gesture.
'Elena,' he whispered in his thoughts, his heart pounding in his chest.
