Don't Retreat

ELIA

Elia woke from her nap and stretched—but a muscle at the side of her stomach grabbed and she winced, rubbing it as she rolled over.

"Reth, maybe we didn't—" Elia broke off as she found the furs next to her empty. Her heart began to pound, throbbing in her ears and that wave of fear crashed over her. For a moment all she could do was pant and grab at the furs—but then she blinked and made herself think.

Reth had been here when she woke up. They had made love, and it was wonderful. Reth was gone because Gahrye had come to visit. Reth had only gone to get some food for them to share for lunch. He wouldn't be away for long.

But how long had she been asleep? How long had he been gone already?