48: SHE BECOMES COLD

It had been weeks since the love bind spell had been lifted. Weeks since Zara had stopped looking at him with forced adoration.

And yet, she had not turned away.

She had not pulled back into the shell of hatred she once wielded like armor. 

She had changed.

Or perhaps, she had simply begun to see him. 

keep in mind that in all of this, Alaric had no idea that the love bind spell had been lifted from Zara, he only thought she was finally warming up to him in spite of the spell. The night stretched long, the flickering fire casting golden hues against the thick velvet curtains that shrouded the windows.

Zara's breathing had long since settled into the steady rhythm of sleep, but Alaric remained awake, his mind was restless. 

Alaric turned slightly, shifting on the mattress. He could feel her warmth beside him, the soft rise and fall of her breath. The room was silent, save for the crackling embers in the hearth.