章 39: The Prodigious Nim, Part Eight

{Melisa} 

Melisa's eyes fluttered open, the soft morning light filtering through the curtains.

She turned, expecting to see Raven still asleep in her nearby bed, but found it empty and neatly made.

[Huh, must be an early riser,] she thought, stretching languidly.

Just then, the door creaked open. Raven slipped inside, moving with a quiet grace that seemed almost... predatory.

Melisa's breath caught in her throat.

Raven stood there, clad in nothing but a sports bra and tight shorts. Her body was covered in a shiny layer of sweat.

[Good... lord...] 

Melisa's eyes traced the defined lines of her abs, the noticeable muscles of her legs, and the graceful curve of her neck.

[Oh. Oh wow.]

Raven's grey eyes met Melisa's, a flicker of surprise crossing her face.

"Good morning," she said, her voice husky from exertion. She didn't say anything else. 

"M-morning," Melisa stammered, her cheeks flushing purple.