Setting the scene

I wake up practically on Taran again. The covers are off the bed. Taran’s body is radiating heat. Maybe dragons are made from fire? I should ask about what is and isn’t true when it comes to dragons. Taran stirs as I pull away. His arm is around me with his hand resting on my hip. I feel his grip tighten, and his chest vibrates as he lets out a low growl, warning me not to move. His grip immediately loosens, and he stops growling when I relax back into him.

I wonder if Taran holds me because I’m so much cooler than him. His body is like an inferno, and it’s clear he doesn’t like blankets. I woke up without blankets yesterday too.

I’m not sure how much time passes before Taran begins to wake. In a soft voice, I say, “Good morning.” He looks at me and smiles. I smile back. Feeling a little embarrassed, I tell him, “Can you let me go now? I need the bathroom.”

Taran pulls his arm off me, and I could almost