Soon,
The golden orb hummed silently between them, casting long, dancing shadows against the cave walls.
Aria's breathing gradually synchronized with Jake's, her head resting heavily against his shoulder.
The initial shock of her rescue was fading, replaced by a quiet, intimate exhaustion.
Jake remained perfectly still, his muscles slightly tense.
"...Are you feeling any better?" He suddenly asked, his voice barely more than a whisper.
Aria didn't open her eyes, but she gave a small, slow nod.
"Yes… The warmth from your skill, it's healing more than just the cold. Thank you, Jake... for everything."
A sudden wave of vulnerability seemed to pass through her.
She shifted slightly, her fingers loosening their iron grip on the lapels of his coat.
As she relaxed, the heavy fabric shifted, slipping down just an inch or two from her shoulders.
Jake's eyes instinctively flicked down, and his throat went dry all over again.
