By midnight, the room had fallen into a hushed silence, save for the faint echo of their slowed breathing. The shy moon hid behind the clouds, peeking just slightly.
The entire village was quiet. The cool autumn breeze rustled through the trees, fluttering the dried fallen leaves off the ground.
An exhausted Lariette lay nestled against Ruediger's chest. As her eyes drooped, her fingers traced lazy circles along his skin. Their legs tangled together under the blanket.
Ruediger wrapped his arm around Lariette's shoulder while the other draped on her slender waist. Holding her close, he pressed his lips atop her head, trailing soft kisses on her silky hair.
The flower lights glowed faintly on the floor, casting golden patterns across the sheets. The air still carried the lingering scent of rose petals and amber, enveloping the pair in a cocoon of quiet intimacy.
