Chapter 83: Chapter 81

Botan POV

When I wake again, late morning light filters into the room, and this time it's her movements that bring me to consciousness. Avara's limbs are sprawled across me as she tries, far too carefully, to slip free. Feigning sleep, I wait until she's almost succeeded before catching her, pulling her back into my embrace. She squeals, her laughter bright as she smacks my arm playfully, her protests half-hearted as I tuck her against me.

"I'm hungry," she announces with a dramatic sigh, and I loosen my hold, standing up first. Stretching, I feel the satisfying pull of muscles as my back turns to her.

Before I can turn around, she leaps onto me, wrapping herself tightly around my back. Her laughter spills over as I steady her, my elbows locking beneath her thighs to support her.

"There's no way I'm climbing all those stairs this early," she declares, her breath warm against my neck.