blood orange sky (bwwm horror)

gum shoebox

Morning light spilled through the window, illuminating the cabin in warm, golden hues. Calliope stirred, blinking against the brightness that pierced through her dreams. She turned to see Lucas already awake, sitting on the edge of the bed, his broad shoulders outlined by the sun. He looked over at her with a casual grin, as if he hadn't just shared a bed with her all night.

"Good morning, sleepyhead," he said, stretching his arms above his head. The movement made his muscles ripple beneath his shirt, and Calliope quickly turned her gaze to the window, trying to shake off the remnants of the previous night's tension.

"Morning," she mumbled, her voice thick with sleep. The scent of woodsmoke and fresh coffee wafted through the air, pulling her fully into consciousness.

"You ready to earn your keep?" he asked, rising from the bed with an easy grace. He disappeared for a moment before returning, a couple of axes slung casually over his shoulder. "We've got firewood to chop. It's going to be a long, cold day if we don't get started."

Calliope raised an eyebrow, feeling a surge of indignation mixed with reluctance. "You're kidding, right? I didn't come here to be your lumberjack."

Lucas chuckled, a low, rich sound that made her stomach flutter unexpectedly. "Well, I'm not going to chop it all myself. Plus, it'll be good for you. Fresh air, exercise, and a little bit of teamwork." He flashed a grin, the kind that was both charming and infuriating.

"Teamwork, huh?" she retorted, getting out of bed and pulling on her sweater. "You just want to see me struggle with an axe."

"Maybe a little," he admitted, winking at her. "But you'll thank me later when the fire is crackling and keeping us warm."

Grumbling under her breath, she followed him outside, the chill of the morning air hitting her like a wave. The storm from the night before had left the world outside looking fresh and glistening. Lucas led her to a pile of logs stacked near the cabin, the scent of pine and damp earth surrounding them.

"Here's how it works," he said, demonstrating with a swift swing of the axe. The blade bit into the wood with a satisfying thud, sending splinters flying. He turned to her, a challenging glint in his eyes. "Your turn."

Calliope hesitated, staring at the axe with a mixture of wariness and determination. "You really think I can do this?" she asked, crossing her arms.

"Of course. Just like that," he encouraged, motioning toward the logs. "Just focus. It's all about rhythm."

She took the axe from him, feeling its weight in her hands. Lucas stepped back, watching her with an intensity that made her heart race. She swung the axe, a little too hard, missing the log entirely and stumbling slightly as she regained her balance.

Lucas laughed, a rich, warm sound that filled the crisp morning air. "Not bad for a first swing," he said, though she could hear the teasing lilt in his voice.

"Shut up," she shot back, trying to mask her embarrassment. "Let me try again."

This time, she steadied herself, focused on the log, and swung with more precision. The axe struck true, splitting the wood with a sharp crack. A surge of triumph welled up inside her, and she couldn't help but smile.

"See? I told you you could do it," Lucas said, stepping closer to admire her work. "You're a natural."

Calliope rolled her eyes, trying to hide her pleased expression. "Don't get used to this. I'm not some rugged woodchopper."

"Maybe not, but you've got potential," he replied, leaning against a nearby tree, arms crossed as he watched her with an approving smile.

The morning wore on, and they fell into a rhythm, the sound of the axe striking wood punctuated by their occasional banter. Lucas would offer her tips, and she'd counter with playful jabs, feeling the air between them lighten. The sun climbed higher, and with each swing of the axe, the morning chill faded, replaced by the warmth of camaraderie.