When the moment passed, they lay in a quiet embrace, savoring the aftermath of their shared ecstasy. Esme had a faint smile on her lips, her cheeks still flushed. Silas's heartbeat was steady against her ear, the rhythmic sound soothing her like a lullaby. Her eyes began to droop.
But Silas remained wide awake. His eyes stared unblinking at the ceiling, his thoughts racing despite the comfort of the moment. All the exhaustion, the sleepless nights, and the weight of everything he had been through kept his mind far from rest. He should have felt peaceful in Esme's arms, but something dark lingered, keeping him from finding any solace.
Sensing his tension, Esme stirred and looked at him. She could feel that something was troubling him, his body rigid beside hers. Gently, she placed her hand on his cheek and turned his face toward her, searching his eyes. "What's wrong?" she asked softly. "Why aren't you sleeping?"