Thalina stirred awake, stretching slightly as the warmth beside her disappeared. Blinking groggily, she turned over to see Zorath already up, adjusting the silk robe over his animal fur skirt.
"You're leaving? Again?" she mumbled, rubbing her eyes.
Zorath chuckled as he tightened his belt. "I just started training, and you're acting like I'm off to war."
Thalina frowned, sitting up in bed. "But do you really have to go every single day without rest? You'll wear yourself out."
"This is nothing," Zorath said, flexing his arms slightly before running a hand through his blonde hair. "I'll be fine."
Still displeased, Thalina watched as he moved toward the door. Just as he was about to leave, she got up, walked over, and before he could react, she placed a soft kiss on his lips.
Zorath froze. His ears twitched, and his tail, which had been lazily swaying behind him, stiffened. For a moment, his brain short-circuited.
Thalina pulled back, suppressing a smile. "Be safe."
