#Chapter 140: Pillow Talk isn’t for War

Lauren We smelled like smoke, antiseptic, and regret. The bedroom was dim, moonlight painting stripes across the ceiling. Someone had brought in extra blankets, bandages, clean clothes, and tea neither of us touched. The windows were cracked to let the cool night air in, but it still felt heavy in here. Too quiet. Too final. We lay tangled on top of the sheets, not quite asleep. Not quite speaking. Just breathing. After the battle, it all felt surreal. I wasn’t even sure it was over, but it just…was. I couldn’t tell you how I got to this bed. I shifted slightly, wincing as the bruises along my ribs reminded me they were still very much present. Alexander stirred beside me. His arm was tucked behind his head, and the other was wrapped around my waist like he was afraid I’d vanish if he let go. I slid closer, tucking my face against his shoulder. My skin prickled where the bandages pressed, but I didn’t care. I just needed him. His arm tightened instinctively. “Alexande