Lightning shattered the darkness that was blacker than the pits of hell

(Because She Couldn’t Sleep)

Lightning shattered the darkness that was blacker than the pits of hell. The shocking bright reflected off a pair of golden eyes set in a pale face, their circular pupils shrinking as if in fear of the light. The owner of those eyes did not flinch, simply blinked slowly, long lashes casting shadows across pale cheeks in the next flash of lightning.

“Aloria?”

The eyes glanced to the side. Lightning illuminated a sleek form standing at a window, one hand holding aside the light gauze curtains.

Footsteps slowly entered the room, bare feet on the hardwood floor. Another figure joined that at the window, one hand lifting to rest on a shoulder clad only in the thin strap of a silk dress. “Aloria...” the name was said gently, coaxingly. The hand lifted to pull dark strands of hair back from a delicate ear. “Come back to bed,” he whispered into that exposed ear, a light kiss placed on the skin just under and behind. Gold eyes closed, surrendering to the sweet caress.

“I’m sorry,” she murmured, “The storm woke me.”

Pale lips curved into a smile that she could feel against her neck, “It’s alright,” was her answer, his full understanding. He drew back, one hand sliding into hers, fingers lacing. She came willingly, letting the curtain fall closed upon the chaos outside. Thunder rattled the windows as the figures turned their backs. The storm beat at the walls, begging for their attention. It was a futile effort, the couple ignored it.