Morning arrived slowly. Soft light through the curtains, spreading across the carpet. Jackets hung neatly over chairs. Documents stacked on the console. Two glasses of water untouched on the bedside table. The suite looked untouched. Nothing out of place. Nothing left open.
Arianne woke first.
She took a moment before moving. Noticed her surroundings—the low hum of the air conditioner, the soft sounds of the city through the glass, the warmth beside her. Franz lay next to her, close enough that their shoulders touched. Unlike their first night, no space between them now.
She turned her head slightly to look at him.
He was awake.
His eyes were open and focused, watching the line of light moving across the wall. When he noticed her movement, he turned toward her.
"You're up," she said.
"I've been awake for a minute."
His voice steady, calm. No sign of stress from the night before.
