The 27th

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 radiated warmth which seeped into her body, allowing the pair to sleep comfortably throughout the night.

She let out a small grunt of dissatisfaction as her new position sent a ray of light right into her eye. Blinking rapidly as she opened them, her sleep having been disturbed, she became aware of the beauty around her.

The sky was saturated heavy with color, hues of pink and orange reflecting off the water's surface, igniting it as it rippled. The early morning breeze whipped her hair that wasn't pinned down around, bringing forth the smells and sounds of the natural beauty around them.

"Why you up? Very early." Arias shifted behind her, the sound of his voice sending shivers through her as the power of his voice vibrated his chest and through her back.

"It's breathtaking, isn't it?" She asked, still taking in the scene in front of her. He didn't answer, rather he too took in the beauty around them, rubbing his thumb against his mate's skin.

As the sun rose higher in the sky, the colors faded until it was just a clear blue, turning her attention elsewhere. She herself felt content but she felt another's presence, an emotion being projected onto her that wasn't her own. This being too was content. She could also feel an extreme fulfillment of love and devotion.

"I think I can feel you." She closed her eyes and focused, distinctly separating her emotions from his.

"I right here." Confused by her statement, he pulled her closer, if that was even possible.

"No." She turned in his arms so that they now laid facing one another. Placing a hand on his heart, flattening her palm to feel his steady heartbeat, she then transferred the same hand to her own. "Here. I feel you here." Peering up up him, even though she could now feel what he was, his eyes gave it away. With each passing day the look he gives her grows stronger, not bother to shield away his feelings for her, what he means to her. She was his everything just as he is hers.

"I love you." Her voice was weak and muffled as her words escaped as a yawn, her eyelids beginning to grow heavy once more.

"I love you." He brushed the stray hairs from her face, his lips lingering over the skin of her forehead as he took in her scent, his warm breath making her shiver. The stubble of hair on his chin and cheeks lightly scratched her skin as he planted a kiss to the side of her head. "Go to sleep. Rest." She hummed in agreement and ceased her fight in keeping her eyes open, allowing them to close. Though she was slipping into unconsciousness, her body and mind was aware that her body was being shifted carefully, now behind held as the said person began to walk.

"Where are we going?" She mumbled again his neck, her warm breath teasing his fresh mark, making goosebump arise on his skin and he purred at the feeling.