Kaelix lay back against the pillows, one arm draped around Eirik's shoulders as they chatted quietly in the dim light of their chambers. The warmth of the room, combined with the comfort of being close, made the atmosphere peaceful, almost serene.
Eirik snuggled closer, resting his head against Kaelix's chest as he listened to the steady rise and fall of his lover's breathing.
Suddenly, the peaceful quiet shattered with the piercing ring of a bell echoing through the palace walls. Eirik flinched, sitting upright in alarm. His wide eyes searched Kaelix's face, and he could see the sudden alertness there as well.
"What's going on?" Eirik asked, voice laced with worry.
Kaelix was already shifting out of bed, his movements quick and efficient. "That's the alarm bell. It signals a fire somewhere in the palace."
Eirik's heart raced, his mind immediately jumping to worst-case scenarios. "A fire? Where?"
