The Entanglement

Rafaella awoke slowly, burrowing into her plush cushion and keeping her eyes closed. She was alerted that she was awake later than usual by a warm beam that caressed her skin via the bedroom window. She rolled over as the orchestra, primarily bass drums, started playing a symphony in her thoughts.

When the bright sun blinded her, she slowly opened her eyes before closing them again. She twisted to look at that side of the bed and found Alexus facing her sideways, but she stopped when she realized he appeared asleep.

Rafaella fixed her gaze on his serene demeanor. She was trance-like.

She moved gently, leaned closer to the man's face, blowing on his eyelashes to ensure he was still sleeping, then lowered her head back onto her plush cushion. Not even the slightest shift from what she did. She didn't look away from the man.

When the person next to her sighed, she felt her stomach ache to tighten into a painful knot.

No. God, no. That groan was one I recognized. Even worse, it brough