"Are we close yet?" she asked, her voice soft, almost childlike.
Alaric chuckled lightly, the sound deep in his chest. "You'd better not sleep on me."
Salviana scoffed, the sound muffled by his cloak. "Don't be a prude."
He smirked, shaking his head. "I mean it, Salviana. You better stay awake."
"Mm-hmm," she hummed in response, the weight of her head pressing a little more against his back.
Alaric glanced over his shoulder, a knowing look in his eyes. "Are you listening?"
"Of course," she murmured, but her voice was distant.
Moments later, he felt her head fully slump against him, her breaths soft and even. She was asleep.
"And she slept," Alaric muttered to the air, shaking his head in disbelief. "After everything tonight, you manage to fall asleep?" He chuckled, though he couldn't hide the fondness in his voice.