Chapter 79 - 81
Botan POV
When I wake again, late morning light filters into the room, and this time it’s her movements that bring me to consciousness. Avara’s limbs are sprawled across me as she tries, far too carefully, to slip free. Feigning sleep, I wait until she’s almost succeeded before catching her, pulling her back into my embrace. She squeals, her laughter bright as she smacks my arm playfully, her protests half-hearted as I tuck her against me.
"I’m hungry," she announces with a dramatic sigh, and I loosen my hold, standing up first. Stretching, I feel the satisfying pull of muscles as my back turns to her.
Before I can turn around, she leaps onto me, wrapping herself tightly around my back. Her laughter spills over as I steady her, my elbows locking beneath her thighs to support her.
"There’s no way I’m climbing all those stairs this early," she declares, her breath warm against my neck.
"Yes, ma’am," I reply, the corners of my mouth twitching with amusement.
"And do you trust me?" she asks suddenly, her voice dropping to a soft, conspiratorial whisper.
"With my life," I answer without hesitation.
She shifts, covering my eyes with her hands, her fingers fanning out just enough for streaks of light to peek through. "Then follow my voice."
I take a tentative step, every sense sharpening as I tune in to her guidance.
"Straight ahead but—"
My knee clips the edge of a table.