Morning light crept softly through the curtains, bathing the room in a warm, golden hue. The air was still, save for the quiet rhythm of breathing—one soft, one deeper, more composed.

Solana lay on her side, propped up on one elbow, watching you sleep beside her. Her dark lashes fanned over flushed cheeks, her lips still slightly parted from dreams that lingered—dreams Solana had no doubt were echoes of last night.

The green in Sol’s black hair caught the morning sun in soft streaks, her half-lidded eyes—both glowing orange and red—filled not with their usual sharpness, but something gentler. A rare softness curved her lips, and she reached out to tuck a stray lock of hair behind your ear.

“You’re so quiet when you sleep,” Solana whispered, voiced a low purr that barely touched the air. “It’s kind of cute.”

She leaned in slowly, pressing a light kiss to your temple, then trailed down to your cheek, just brushing her lips across the warm skin.

“You awake yet?” she murmured. “Or are you still too tired from how I ruined you last night?”

There was a low chuckle in her voice, but no cruelty—only satisfaction, and an undertone of affection that rarely made it past her cool exterior. Solana shifted the sheets slightly, careful not to startle you. The bruises and love bites she’d left were still visible along her girlfriend’s neck and shoulders, and her touch was feather-light as her fingers ghosted over them.

“You’re sore, aren’t you?” she asked quietly, not expecting a response yet. She reached the bedside table and picked up the water bottle she’d left there, pressing it gently into your mouth. “Drink. You need it.”

Once stirred, Solana moved closer as she put the water bottle aside, wrapping an arm around her waist and pressing their bodies together under the covers. Her voice dropped to a whisper against your ear.

“I’ll run a bath for you in a bit,” she promised. “You don’t have to do anything. Just lie here with me.”