I woke up feeling better than I had in days. The tension from Thalira's confrontation still lingered in the back of my mind, but it was muted, overshadowed by the warmth of Lise's arms around me.
Her steady breathing, soft against my neck, was a comforting rhythm that grounded me in the moment. I stayed still, savoring the peacefulness of it all.
The first rays of morning light were just beginning to filter through the curtains, casting a gentle glow over the room. I turned my head slightly, careful not to disturb Lise, and let my eyes wander over her features.
Even in sleep, she looked strong and beautiful, her muscles toned and defined beneath the softness of her skin. There was a serene intensity to her that I found mesmerizing a combination of grace and power that was uniquely hers.
As I traced the lines of her jaw with my eyes, Lise began to stir, her grip on me tightening slightly before her eyes fluttered open.
