I woke up to sunlight and the smell of rain before a storm.
Riven.
He was still there. Still holding me. His chest rose and fell in the slow rhythm of sleep, one arm draped over my waist, the other tucked under his head.
I should have moved. Should have put distance between us before this got more complicated than it already was.
I didn't move.
The heat had dropped. Not gone — I could still feel it humming under my skin — but manageable. Survivable. Like my body had decided to give me a break after burning me alive for twelve straight hours.
Small mercies.
Riven's eyes opened. No confusion. No disorientation. Just awake and aware like he'd been waiting for me to wake up first.
"How do you feel." His voice came out rough with sleep.
"Better." I cleared my throat. "The spike broke."
"I know. I felt it around four."
"You stayed up."
"Someone had to make sure your fever didn't climb again." He shifted slightly. Gave me space without actually letting go. "Are you hungry?"
