Morvienne froze.

Completely.

Her hand was still hovering near his face, her fingers barely withdrawn from his skin.

She did not blink. Did not breathe. It was as if ice had poured through her veins, locking her in place as his gaze met hers.

Kael stared back, his eyes still carrying that slight haze of someone waking from a brief, unexpected sleep. The massage had clearly done its work; the tension that had lined his face earlier had eased, leaving his expression softer, almost drowsy. And for a long moment, he simply looked at her, then his brow furrowed faintly.

"What..." His voice was a little rough with sleep. "What...