Chapter 50: Nightmare

Kaelix tries to fall asleep but finds himself restless, hyper-aware of Eirik's presence on the other side of the bed.

He lay on his side of the bed, staring up at the darkened ceiling.

A row of pillows divided them, a makeshift barrier to maintain distance, but Kaelix could still feel Eirik's presence as if there were no divide at all.

He could hear Eirik's steady breathing, could almost feel the heat of his body through the thin barrier. The awareness of the other man's presence was like a physical weight on Kaelix's chest, making it impossible to find any peace.

On the other side of the bed, Eirik lay with his back facing Kaelix, his body tense despite his best efforts to appear asleep. His eyes were squeezed shut, his breathing deliberately even, but his mind was far from calm.