Silence settled over the library, broken only by their breathing.
Catherine lay against Alex's chest, dark hair spilling across both of them. Her hand rested over his heart, feeling it gradually slow from its racing pace.
Victoria had drifted off long ago, curled against his other side. Her breathing had settled into the deep, even rhythm of exhausted sleep... Peak Mortal endurance spent completely.
The scattered cushions and displaced furniture bore silent testimony to what had transpired.
Alex's fingers traced idle patterns along Catherine's shoulder, feeling the warmth of Apex-enhanced skin beneath his touch.
"So," he said quietly, his voice carrying deliberate amusement. "Ready for another round? Or have you finally admitted defeat?"
Catherine's breathless laugh carried genuine exhaustion.
"You're a monster," she murmured, though affection colored the words. "An absolute monster."
She shifted slightly, tilting her head to meet his gaze.
