The cold air of the ice room was kept at bay by a dome of warm, amber light, its gentle glow sealing off the chill like a protective cocoon. At the heart of that warmth sat a large, circular bed, its surface faintly rumpled, bearing the quiet evidence of what had taken place there.
Three pale forms lay entangled upon it.
They had slept, after… quite some time.
Amber and Rainie Chen lay in a state of blissful exhaustion, limbs heavy with sated languor, their breathing slow and even. The faint tracks of dried tears still clung to the corners of their eyes, yet their expressions were peaceful, touched with the unmistakable softness of deep contentment. They were curled into Ethan, one on each side, their heads resting on his arms as though they belonged there, as though this was the most natural place in the world.
Truly the picture of having your cake and eating it too, one might think.
