Zarek lifted his head for a moment and leaned back.
Then he reached for the hem of his shirt and pulled it off in one smooth motion, tossing it aside.
Eliora's eyes followed the movement.
Her breathing had grown uneven, her chest rising and falling quickly as she looked at him.
Zarek noticed. Of course he did.
He leaned in again, reaching carefully for the ties of her gown.
Slowly, he helped her slide it off her shoulders until the fabric fell away, leaving her in only her smock.
Then he paused and looked at her.
The way the lantern light softened her skin… the way her glowing hair spread across the pillow… the nervous way she was watching him back.
"You're so beautiful," he muttered.
Eliora felt her cheeks heat under his gaze.
"Let me love you tonight," he murmured.
Eliora hesitated only a second before nodding softly but then something occurred to her.
"Wait…"
Zarek paused.
"Isn't there still… an issue with us mating?"
