The Witching Hour

Chapter 26 - Remeyra (Day 4)

My eyes fly open just like they do every morning. And just like every morning, it's too early for me to be awake. The sky outside is still adorned with twinkling stars, now starting to fade as the first hints of dawn edge over the horizon. I take a deep breath, preparing myself for the day ahead, but as I attempt to shift and rise from the bed, I feel an unexpected weight holding me back.

He is holding me tightly in his arms, his breathing steady and deep in the quiet of the early morning. I freeze, suddenly acutely aware of the warmth of his body against mine, of the gentle rise and fall of his chest as he sleeps peacefully beside me. With a clearer mind now, free from the fog of sleep and nightmares, I realize the terrible mistake I made last night.

Stupid.

Careful not to disturb him, I begin to untangle myself from his embrace. Slowly, I lift his arm that rests across my side, his grip loosening slightly as I carefully slide out from beneath it. His arm is surprisingly toned for a wizard and heavier than it looks. His muscles relaxed yet firm through the thin shirt he wears make my gaze stare for longer than it should. His warmth lingers against my skin, an unfamiliar feeling hits me as I free myself from his embrace.

I slide silently out of bed, careful not to disturb the sheets or make any noise that might rouse him. The floor feels cool beneath my feet as I stand beside the bed, casting one last glance at his sleeping form. His face is relaxed, his features softened by the dim light filtering through the window.

Heading towards the bathroom, I try to gather my thoughts before the day truly begins. Just as I reach for the door, his voice breaks the quiet morning air, and the sound of it brings a shiver down my spine.

'Where are you going?' he asks, his voice tinged with curiosity and a touch of concern, though a playful spark remains beneath his words.

Caught off-guard, I turn slowly to find him propped up on one elbow, his gaze searching mine with an intensity that makes me uneasy. I roll my eyes at him trying to mask the way his words affect me. 'Bathroom' I reply dryly, with sarcasm.

'Come back.' he pleads softly, making my pointy ears twitch. 'The sun's barely peeking through.'

I scoff at his remark and continue my way to the bathroom. The cold floor and subtle smell of lavender still lingering in the air bring me back to my senses. I go to the mirror and notice that my hair is different from the usual disheveled mess I wake up to. For the first time it's neatly falling on my back. As I take my time to wash up, I realize that I too feel different. I'm...rested?

It's a foreign sensation. I splash water on my face, the coolness refreshing against my skin. I catch my reflection in the mirror, and for a moment, I don't recognize the person staring back at me. There's a softness in my eyes, a calmness that I'm not used to seeing.

I take a deep breath, savoring the rare feeling of peace. The night's events play back in my mind, and I can't help but feel a mix of confusion and something else I can't quite place. With a resolve, I get dressed back into my usual leather armor, each piece familiar and reassuring against my skin.

As I step out of the bathroom, I find Gale still lying in bed, his eyes now closed again, the rise and fall of his chest steady and serene. I roll my eyes at the sight and approach him.

'Gale,' I say with a hint of exasperation, shaking his shoulder a bit more roughly than gently. 'Wake up. We have to get going if we want to reach the Gate in time.'

My tone seems to have no effect on him, as he turns around with his back now facing me and the blanket covering most of his head. I roll my eyes at his stubbornness, feeling a mix of exasperation and amusement.

'Fine,' I declare, throwing my hands up in mock surrender. 'Stay here and sleep the day away. I'm going to Baldur's Gate.'

Gale doesn't respond immediately, and for a moment, I think he might have actually fallen back asleep. Then, with a playful edge to his voice, he retorts, 'Why not come back to bed now? Or are you afraid you might actually enjoy some rest for once? Perhaps you liked it more than you're letting on.'

His words catch me off guard, a hint of warmth spreading across my cheeks at the implication. 'Don't be ridiculous,' I reply, trying to sound dismissive but failing to mask the slight unease in my voice. 'I just didn't want you to be cold last night. That's all.'

Gale chuckles softly, the sound carrying a note of amusement. 'Of course,' he says, his tone teasing. 'Very considerate of you.'

I roll my eyes and I can't help but notice the annoying smirk that tugs at the corners of his lips. 'You're impossible,' I retort, trying to keep the usual sharpness of my voice.

Finally gathering my things, I make my way downstairs, ready for breakfast and ultimately to leave this blasted inn. The innkeeper nods a greeting as I enter the common room, the aroma of freshly baked bread and brewing tea filling the air. It's a comforting sight, and I realize just how hungry I am.

I find a table by the window and settle in, my thoughts drifting back to Gale still upstairs. He'll come down eventually, I think to myself, hoping that he won't take too long. Despite his infuriating nature, there's a part of me that's reluctant to leave him behind.