As the excitement of the long journey finally began to fade, exhaustion eventually pulled them toward the comfort of the rooms.
By the time Julian arrived. It was already past midnight. The only light came from the city glowing outside the window, casting long shadows across the floor.
He moved closer to the bed and looked down at Lyvana. In the dim light, she looked fragile. Her lips were slightly parted as she breathed softly in her sleep.
She looked beautiful.
Julian stayed still, watching her closely. It was also easy to see she was distressed. Something was bothering her.
He reached out a hand, his fingers hovering just inches away from her skin, but he didn't touch her. He didn't want to disturb her sleep.
Stepping away quietly, he headed into the bathroom. The hot water of the shower helped wash away the lingering tension of the night.
He stepped back into the bedroom with a towel wrapped around his waist.
