Chapter 196: Strange Day

ETAN

It was a strangely beautiful day. They slept and held each other. Waking to find each other and reassure themselves that the other was still there—sometimes making love, sometimes only holding tight before sliding back down into dreamless sleep.

Falek and Borsche didn't disturb them, taking turns at guarding and watching, but also sleeping themselves.

Etan knew he should have invited them into the shade of the barn, but he couldn't bear for Ayleth to cover up. And the men were… sensitive, leaving the two of them to rest. Or not.

They had first slept at dawn, but by mid-afternoon, Etan found himself laying awake, staring at the blue patches of sky that could be seen through the roof, Ayleth curled into his side, breathing slow and even, her head on his shoulder.