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Jill began to pry herself slowly out from under Clive’s arm. He’d gotten back late last night and immediately curled up around her and fallen asleep. He probably wouldn’t twitch for another several hours, unless she actually tried to wake him up, but there was no need to risk it - she could be quiet on her way out of the room.
The main struggle was leaving the warmth of the bed behind. Clive had run hot even as a teenager, but after becoming Ifrit’s Dominant, he’d practically turned into a living fireplace. In the summer or in hotter areas, it was sticky and sweaty to cuddle with him, but in the depths of winter, it was blissfully warm.
If you aren’t careful, he’ll melt you, Shiva said abruptly in the back of Jill’s head.
“Melt me how?” Jill whispered, reaching for her boots.
He’s too warm, Shiva said. It’s too warm here, and you stay because of him.
Jill sighed as she finished lacing up her boots. “I’m not literally made of ice. I can’t melt.”
Shiva sounded annoyed. Of course not. But you are becoming concerned with too many other people. The Fire Eikon can make his own choices, but you do not need to follow him down his path.
“Exactly,” Jill said. “He can make his own choices, but so can I. I care about these people, I want to be here, and I’m going to stay with Clive.”
“Mm?”
Jill looked across the room. Clive was blinking at her, still hazy but awake. She’d forgotten to keep her voice quiet, even though no one else could hear Shiva.
“You need something?” Clive asked, clearly still half-asleep.
“No,” Jill said, reaching for the door. “Just talking to myself. You can go back to sleep.”
Clive stared at her for a moment longer, then nodded and closed his eyes again.
He’s already melted you, Shiva commented.
“And I’m happy for it,” Jill said, remembering to keep her voice down this time as she closed the door behind her.