Xavier stared at the ceiling, his arm pinned beneath Naomi's sleeping form. His muscles ached pleasantly, body loose in a way he hadn't felt since arriving in this frozen world. The straw mattress had long since given up its shape, crushed flat from hours of vigorous activity.
Beside him, Naomi slept deeply, her face relaxed in a way he'd never seen at the academy. Her leg was thrown possessively over his, one arm draped across his chest like she feared he might vanish.
Xavier glanced at the translucent pink interface floating above his palm. Soul Bond: Naomi Phillips - 24%. Higher than before, but not the leap he'd expected after such an intense night.
Naomi stirred, eyelids fluttering. Without fully waking, she pressed closer, lips finding his in a sleepy, open-mouthed kiss. Her hips shifted against his thigh, a reflexive grind that sent heat pooling in his gut despite his exhaustion. Even half-conscious, her body sought his.
"Mmm," she murmured against his neck. "Still here."
