That night, Alaric found sleep elusive. The moonlight filtered through the crack in the walls, casting delicate shadows across the room. Lara's bed, nestled against the slatted wall, felt so close to his own, which was positioned just a breath away.
The faint rustle of the bamboo slats separating them seemed to echo in the stillness, creating a barrier that was both fragile and palpable. Each of her gentle movements, each creak of the bamboo bed offered a reminder of her presence, stirring a restless energy in him as thoughts of her danced through his mind.
Alaric could sense her unique fragrance lingering in the air, a delicate blend of wildflowers and mint. Each inhalation deepened the connection, making his heart race. He could hear the soft rhythm of her breath, a gentle whisper that seemed to resonate with the very core of his being. The unfamiliar sensation he had encountered before washed over him once more, igniting a swirl of emotions he could hardly comprehend.
