TBATE-ALLIANCE

Chapter 30

Arthur Eralith POV

Shifting slightly, I slowly began to regain consciousness as I felt the comfortable bed beneath me. My eyes fluttered open, staring at a white ceiling. I looked to my left, seeing I was in a lavish room with white furniture accented with gold trim. My brows scrunched up in confusion, wondering where I was. Suddenly, I became all too conscious of a weight lying slightly on top of me.

I looked to my right, and my eyes widened, growing slightly warm and watery; my lips went slightly agape while curving up a little, and a blissful wave washed over me. Lying directly to my side with her head resting on my shoulder was none other than Tess.

Tess had her eyes closed and looked to be at peace as she slept soundly. Each breath she took was a sweet melody in my ears, and the sight of her beside me, with strands of her gunmetal locks covering her face, was a sight for sore eyes. I had been so focused on the war in Darv that I hadn't even realized how much I missed her, the love of my life.

I lifted my right arm, wrapping it around her shoulder, and gently pulled her in close. Feeling her body next to mine, feeling her warmth, and inhaling her sweet aroma was the best thing I have felt in weeks; the happiness I felt at this moment was indescribable.

Tess nuzzled her head slightly into my shoulder as I held her close and gently rubbed her arm with my thumb. She groaned a little as I noticed she was starting to wake up.

I leaned down and placed a soft, loving kiss on the top of her head. "Shhhhh. It's okay; you can continue to sleep."

Tess nodded her head a little and smacked her lips together. "Hmmm, okay," She said in a tired voice. She nuzzled her head into me, "I love you."

I chuckled warmly, "I love you too."

Tess hummed happily as she shifted a little before settling in comfortably. She lay there for a second before her eyes suddenly shot open. She lifted her head at lightning speed and looked at me with eyes the size of moons and her lips slightly agape. Her eyes became watery as she stared at me in disbelief.

"A-Art?!" Tess stuttered, with her voice cracking.

I gave her a loving smile, "Hey, Tess. Been aw-"

I didn't get to finish as Tess leaned down and crashed her soft, sweet-tasting lips into mine. I was initially surprised but didn't hesitate to return the kiss. I shifted my body to face her, wrapping my other arm around her and pulling her in close. Feeling her lips against mine, having her this close to me again, I was in complete euphoria.

We slowly broke the kiss, and Tess leaned her forehead against mine. I continued to hold her close, which was when I noticed she was slightly shaking and sniffling a little.

I opened my eyes and looked at her, a little concerned, seeing a stray tear fall down her cheek. I raised my right hand and caressed her cheek, wiping the tear away with my thumb, "Tess, are you okay?"

Her lips quivered, and she nodded a little, giving a slight tearful chuckle, "Y-Yeah. I-It's just good to see you awake. To hear your voice." She sniffled, holding me closer, "I was so worried. You weren't waking up."

My brows scrunched up in confusion and curiosity, "How long have I been unconscious?"

Tess lifted her head and looked down at me, giving me a small smile. She brought her left hand up and gently caressed my left cheek. Her beautiful teal gems were locked on me like she was afraid to look away, like I would disappear if she did.

"Two weeks and three days," Tess said, sniffling, with her lips quivering slightly.

My eyes widened in shock, "W-What?! What's been happening while I've been asleep? What's the status of Darv? How did I even get he-"