Chapter 48

A slow, deep breath of cool air roused her from her sleep. She took in the rich , calming scent of the wet dirt near the water's edge, the fresh scent of the pine trees that surrounded them. A hint of metallic also peaked through, the remnants of their blood still lingering even though they tried their best to rinse it off before succumbing to sleep. Thaelia's body felt heavy, despite sleeping soundly through the night. She felt exhausted but as she shifted closer to the warm body behind her, she felt no pain in her neck. Arias, feeling her shift, reacted to her movements,loosening his grip to allow her to adjust, only to tighten once more as she settled. He left his back open to attack throughout the entire night, just to ensure her safely. His body coiled tightly around her, keeping her closest to the water, which was frozen over, devoid of any life forms other than fish that swam lazily at the bottom, in the warmest water. Despite the chill and his chest being bare, he