The room was wrapped in a soft glow, the golden drapes dancing lazily in the midnight breeze that filtered through the open balcony. Outside, the moonlight bathed the palace gardens in silver. Inside, two lovers lay tangled in silken sheets. Darius, bare-chested and relaxed, rested on his side, his head propped against his palm as he looked down at Odi.
She lay next to him, her hair strewn across the pillows like dark ribbons, her breathing steady and her body curved toward his.
"Why did you never like me?" Darius asked suddenly, his voice low, almost teasing, but with a flicker of genuine curiosity.
Odi's eyes fluttered open slowly. She didn't smile. Instead, she stared at the ceiling as if the truth was etched somewhere in the shadows.
"Who says I like you now?" she replied, voice cool.
Darius blinked, caught off guard. "You wound me, Odi," he murmured, trying to lighten the moment.
She rolled onto her back and sighed. "I enjoy your body. That's all."
