***
When Zaila woke up, she felt more rested than she could ever remember feeling. She was awash with relief following the blissful hours-long exertion she had enjoyed. With a wide smile, Zaila rolled over on the bed, spreading her arms for a stretch, but it reminded her that she was alone.
She had expected it. The vampire asking her to record that message had let her know she was likely not going to find him when she woke up. Still, she had hoped she was wrong.
Zaila had never once wished to wake up with someone by her side in her bed. Maybe that was part of why she readily chose to dedicate herself so much to military service where the only ones normally authorized to be in the Garrison were her fellow militants. And in the women-exclusive North-Western Garrison, there was even less of a chance she'd share her bed with anyone.
The lack of commitment appealed to Zaila. But for the first time in years, she found herself doubting that appeal.
Oh well.
