235 Side Story Chapter 41

Riftan woke to the sound of rain tickling his ears. He had never felt such lethargy before. It pressed on him, taking him a while to fully come to his senses.

He stared up at the shadows flickering on the dark ceiling until the sound of soft breathing startled him. Looking over, he saw tousled red curls spread like clouds over the pillow. His breath hitched when he registered the woman deep asleep on his arm. The feel of her damp body, the pungent odor of their coupling, and her soft scent all served to make his head spin. He stared dazedly at her sleeping form as though intoxicated until he realized he was clenching her to him. He abruptly relaxed his grip.

The chill that brushed him as they parted made him pull her close again. He could feel her bones beneath her smooth, sweat-slicked skin.