Chapter 60: The Cold Between Us
The morning sun filtered through the frost-laced windowpanes of the cabin, casting delicate patterns on the wooden floor. Aria stirred beneath the thick blankets, the remnants of the previous night's intimacy still tingling on her skin. She stretched languidly, a contented sigh escaping her lips. For the first time in what felt like ages, the gnawing hunger that had plagued her was gone. In its place was a profound sense of satisfaction, a warmth that radiated from within.
Selene's touch had been unlike anything Aria had ever experienced. Her cool fingers, guided by an icy precision, had explored every inch of Aria's body, eliciting responses she hadn't known she was capable of. The contrast between Selene's cold demeanor and the heat they generated together was intoxicating.
Aria sat up, the sheets slipping from her shoulders. She glanced around the room, noting the absence of Selene. The air still held a chill, a reminder of Selene's elemental affinity. Despite the cold, Aria felt a warmth that had nothing to do with the temperature.
She rose from the bed, wrapping a blanket around herself, and padded into the main room. Selene stood by the stove, her back to Aria, preparing a simple breakfast. The scent of cooking food mingled with the crisp morning air.
"Good morning," Aria greeted softly.
Selene turned, her expression as composed as ever. "Morning."
Aria approached, wrapping her arms around Selene from behind. "Thank you," she whispered.
Selene's hands paused in their movements. "For what?"
Aria rested her head against Selene's back. "For everything. For last night. For making me feel… whole."
Selene turned in Aria's embrace, her eyes searching Aria's face. "You seemed… at peace."
Aria nodded. "I am. You silenced the hunger."
Selene's gaze softened, a rare display of emotion breaking through her icy exterior. "I'm glad."
They stood in silence for a moment, the only sounds the crackling of the stove and the distant wind outside.
Aria looked up at Selene, a playful smile tugging at her lips. "You know, your touch is even better than in my dreams."
Selene raised an eyebrow. "Is that so?"
Aria leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to Selene's cheek. "Absolutely."
Selene's lips curved into a faint smile. "Then perhaps we should make it a reality more often."
Aria's heart fluttered at the suggestion. "I'd like that."
They shared a quiet breakfast, the warmth between them contrasting the cold world outside. In Selene's presence, Aria found solace, a sanctuary from the chaos beyond the cabin walls.
As the morning sun climbed higher, casting light on the remnants of a world in ruin, Aria knew that with Selene by her side, she could face whatever challenges lay ahead.