A scream tore through the stillness outside and both couples' bodies jolted in shock.
"What was that noise?" Lumina asked, her breath uneven as she instinctively tightened her hold around Ashen.
"Ashen…" she called softly.
He stirred at her voice, lashes fluttering open, exhaustion heavy in his eyes. "My Queen…" he murmured, his voice rough with sleep deprivation.
Lumina stared at him, really stared, and her heart clenched. Dark shadows framed his eyes. How many nights had he gone without rest?
"You should sleep," she whispered, lifting a hand to his cheek. "You are exhausted."
Instead of listening, he pulled her closer, burying his face against her neck. "Then sleep with me."
A small smile curved her lips. She nodded and lay back down with him.
