It was well past midnight when they all finally settled down to make camp.
Aelin's fire glowed brightly in the small clearing where they nestled down, but they all kept their distance from the flames, even after Aelin assured them all that she wouldn't let it burn them. Old habits die hard.
Aedion had offered to take first watch, much to Rowan's (complaint), but they all quickly agreed that it was for the best since the three magic wielders had almost burnt themselves out after the battle that afternoon.
Lysandra, who was currently a snow leopard, was curled up near the fire, Evangeline tucked into her side and sleeping heavily. Aelin and Rowan were snuggled up together closest to the fire, Rowan holding her close as they tried to get some rest, but their energy was still too high after the battle to fall asleep.
Rowan's hand drew slow circles across Aelin's arm as he fell asleep, his other hand resting on the ground beside her head.
Aelin stared at his hand as it twitched ever so slightly with built up energy. "Rowan" she breathed, ever so softly to not awake the others.
His answering grunt was an indication that he was not fully awake. The hand drawing circles on her arm grew ever near her breast.
"Rowan" Aelin sighed again, turning her head ever so slightly so she could see him out of her peripheral. His eyes were closed and his breathing became slightly heavier as she stared at him. "If your hand doesn't stop before it reaches my breast, I will have a very hard time not ripping your clothes off right now." She smirked, trying to relieve whatever tension had him so worked up.
It didn't work.
She turned around so she was facing him and placed his hand against her cheek.
"Rowan, wake up." She said softly, not wanting the others to hear how alarmed she was. She was sure he was just having a nightmare and she didn't want them to worry.
She grabbed his face in her hands and placed a soft kiss on his lips. "Please, wake up."
His eyelids fluttered as he heard Aelin's voice but he did not wake. His breathing became heavier as his hand shook against her face.
Aelin sat up suddenly and sat on his chest as she gently grabbed his hands and held them tightly against her chest.
"Please wake up Rowan. I am here. We are safe."
He began to groan as his head whipped from side to side as if someone was shaking him.
"Please Rowan," Aelin begged, putting her forehead against his to try and calm him down. "Come back to me."
His eyes opened suddenly and he stared into the depths of her eyes, as if he could see her soul. "Aelin" he breathed, recognition entering his eyes.
His arms wrapped around her suddenly as he sat them both up, Aelin still sitting in his lap.
"I thought I had lost you." He said into the crook of her neck, breathing her in.
"I'm here." Aelin repeated. "I'm safe."
He sighed and brought his face back to stare at hers. He placed his hand on either side of her face, ever so gently, and ran his thumb along her cheekbone.
"I never want to be apart from you." He whispered, as gently as his strokes on her face.
Aelin leaned down to kiss him softly.
"Never" she replied, wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing him with her heart.