Page 26 of Elven Oath

I keep my arm draped loosely around her, careful not to push too far. The last thing I want is for her to think I’m taking advantage of the situation.

But the truth was, despite the cold and the awkwardness, having her this close wasn’t something I entirely minded.

In fact, it was... nice.

I close my eyes, listening to the sound of her breathing, the rhythmic rise and fall of her chest as she finally begins to drift off.

She smelled faintly of the forest, of earth and leaves, and something uniquely hers that I couldn’t quite place.

It was a simple thing, really, but there was something calming about it.

A few hours ago, she had been doing everything in her power to irritate me, to create distance.

Now we were wrapped together in the cold, our bodies tangled up in a way that was far more intimate than either of us had probably anticipated for the night.

I smirk slightly to myself, feeling her small movements as she shifts in her sleep.

She was strong, in her own way. Stubborn as hell, but strong. I admire that about her, even if she didn’t see it herself.

The sounds of the forest around us fade into the background as we lay there. And though I know there were still dangers out there in the forest, for the first time since this journey began, I felt something close to peace.

Wrapped up with Vevina, her body soft and warm against mine, I find it difficult to think about anything else.

It was just the two of us and I was going to make sure we slept like this every night.

Chapter 9

Aodhan

We hadn’t exchangedmany words the first two days, but today has turned out to be different.

At first, our conversation had started with simple things, like how far we had left to travel or whether we would be safe tonight.

But soon, it gave way to other things. Her curiosity started to show, and mine too, though I tried not to let it seem too obvious.

She wasn’t the delicate, sheltered princess I had assumed her to be. Her wit was sharp, and she had no problem voicing her opinions. Especially when it came to me.

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