The brazier inside the tent had long since burned out, leaving only a last trace of crimson embers stubbornly flickering in the darkness.
Cold seeped quietly through the seams of the heavy elephant hide tent, yet it could not disturb the warmth of the two bodies entwined on the bed.
Lynn's breathing was steady and deep, his chest rising and falling in a regular rhythm.
He seemed to be "sleeping" soundly.
Ygritte lay in his arms. The little wildcat who had been all claws and teeth during the day, eager to trample the whole world beneath her feet, was now as quiet as a cub nestled beside a fire.
Suddenly, her long lashes fluttered gently, like butterfly wings.
Ygritte slowly opened her eyes.
Her blue eyes remained bright even in the darkness, without a trace of sleepy confusion. Instead, they were startlingly alert.
She stayed perfectly still, listening to Lynn's steady heartbeat.
Thump, thump, thump.
Each beat was like a war drum sounding deep within her soul.
Heavy. Powerful.
It made Ygritte feel safer than she ever had before.
Was he asleep?
He was asleep!
That realization was like a pebble dropped into a still lake, sending ripples spreading through Ygritte's heart.
With each ripple, her courage grew.
Ygritte carefully lifted her head from the crook of Lynn's arm.
Her movement was so gentle that she seemed afraid of disturbing a falling snowflake.
Her fiery red hair spilled down like a waterfall, a few unruly strands dangling to tickle Lynn's cheek.
Lynn's brow twitched slightly.
Ygritte's heart leaped into her throat, and her whole body froze.
But Lynn merely rolled onto his back, his breathing remaining steady.
Ygritte let out a long sigh of relief.
In the darkness, the corners of her mouth curled up despite herself, forming a smile