Chapter: 54 The Body Pillow
Ethan let out a lazy yawn, his body sinking into the mattress.
"Yeah, yeah… call me whatever you want. Ask me anything you want. I'll answer—" his words slurred with fatigue, "—but not right now."
He shifted, adjusting himself into a proper sleeping position. His head fell against the pillow, body turning sideways until his arm slid beneath Lirael's head, making it rest upon the solid warmth of his bicep. His other arm wrapped around her waist, tugging her closer until her body pressed fully against his chest.
The closeness made her breath hitch. She could feel the slow, steady rise and fall of his chest against her own, the heat radiating between them.
His voice, heavy with drowsiness, rumbled low.
"Right now, I'm tired like hell… so let's save it for tomorrow. Tonight I just need a good rest. And for that… a body pillow."
Her face went crimson instantly. Body… pillow?
He chuckled faintly, his tone almost teasing but already drifting toward sleep.
"That's what I used in my previous world… and you fit the category perfectly."
His voice softened even further, almost a murmur now, half-dreaming.
"I like your… original looks more…"
His hand gently brushed against the amulet at her neck. The faint shimmer of magic rippled, fading away as the charm's effect dissipated. In an instant, her hidden features revealed themselves—slender ears, delicate lines of her face unmasked and her soft azure blue hairs...
Ethan let out a quiet hum of contentment as if satisfied, then reached back with one hand to tug the blanket over them, wrapping both of their bodies in its cocoon of warmth. Within moments, his breathing began to slow into the rhythm of sleep.
---
Meanwhile, Lirael was utterly dumbfounded. From the moment he had pulled her into bed to the casual way he had stripped her disguise, she hadn't had a single chance to protest. Her cheeks burned hotter with every second, her pulse drumming in her ears.
"E-Ethan," she whispered, her voice trembling. "Are you really… going to hold me like this the whole night? A-and sleep?"
No reply. Only the even sound of his breathing.
"Ethan…? Ethan!" she tried again, giving his arm a little shake.
Still nothing. He was out cold.
Her ears twitched, her face glowing red from neck to tip. She buried her face against his tunic, whispering desperately.
"N-no… what if Amelia sees us like this in the morning? She'll definitely misunderstand… A-and Mary—she's still a child… what if she walks in and…"
Her whisper broke into a squeak. "E-Ethan!"
Silence.
"Ughhh, you idiot… release me this instant." She wriggled lightly, testing his grip, but the strength of his arm around her shoulder and waist was unyielding. He held her so firmly it was impossible to slip away without waking him—something she dared not do.
Finally, she gave up, biting her lip, her entire body stiff with embarrassment. "…F-fine. But only for tonight."
Her arms, trembling with hesitation, slowly lifted. She wrapped them around his neck, pressing herself closer into his embrace, her forehead resting just beneath his jaw.
She thought she would never sleep like this—her mind racing, her heart pounding loud enough to burst. But then… something unexpected happened.
As the minutes stretched, her body began to relax, as though she had stepped into a warm pool. The tension bled away, her breathing softened, and in the steady rhythm of his heartbeat, she found a strange, unshakable comfort.
Her last conscious thought before sleep claimed her was a flustered whisper.
"…Idiot… how can I feel safe like this…"
Wrapped together, the candle burned low, and silence carried them both into slumber.
------
The first rays of morning slipped through the shutters, painting faint gold across the room. Lirael stirred, her lashes fluttering open.
Warmth. That was the first thing she felt. The solid heat of Ethan's body beneath her, the steady rise and fall of his chest, and—
Her breath caught.
Her arms were locked tightly around his neck, her cheek pressed against his jaw, her legs tangled around his as though she had claimed him in the night. Not his hold on her—hers on him.
Her ears twitched violently as the realization struck. Wh-what… what is this position?!
Slowly, hesitantly, she tilted her gaze upward.
And froze.
Ethan was awake. His dark eyes looked down at her with a lazy warmth, a small smile tugging his lips as if she were the most precious thing in the world.
Her entire face went crimson. She thought it couldn't possibly get worse—until Ethan lowered his head and pressed a gentle kiss against her forehead.
Her mind went blank. It's over… I'm done for…
Her lips parted, but no words came out—only stammering sounds, broken syllables, as if she had forgotten how to form human speech. "I-I… y-you… w-we… th-this… ahhh—"
Ethan's grin widened, amusement glittering in his eyes.
"For whatever it's worth… my kind heart couldn't possibly push away a maiden clinging to me all night. So really… it's not my fault."
Her ears burned so hot they might ignite. "Y-y-you…!"
He chuckled, clearly enjoying her state.
With a panicked squeak, Lirael scrambled upright, nearly tripping over the blankets as she made a dash for the door.
"Ah—" Ethan's voice stopped her. "Looking for this?"
She turned—and her heart dropped. He was twirling her amulet around his finger, the faint shimmer of its magic glinting in the sunlight. He dangled it playfully, as though challenging her to come take it.
Her blush returned full force. "G-give it back, you big, dumb-headed idiot! And don't you dare look at me like that! It was you who—who forcefully trapped me last night!"
Ethan leaned back against the headboard, smirking. "Hmm… trapped you? From where I'm sitting, you seemed to enjoy it quite a lot."
Her voice shot up an octave. "N-nonsense! Who would enjoy being… being suffocated the whole night?!"
"Oh?" His brow arched, grin deepening. "But you do enjoy suffocating others the same way, don't you?"
Her ears twitched violently. "Y-you—!"
"Alright, alright," he cut in, chuckling. "We'll save that argument for later. But for now…" His gaze sharpened just slightly, teasing but with an undertone of warning. "…shouldn't you hurry to your room? Mary will be awake soon."
Her stomach dropped. Mary…!
Snatching the amulet from his hand, she clutched it to her chest and hurried out, tiptoeing desperately down the hall toward her chamber.
Ethan watched her retreat, a low chuckle escaping as he ruffled his own hair.
"Heh… this girl…"
Unbeknownst to Lirael, her cautious tiptoeing out of Ethan's room had not gone unnoticed. From the corridor, Amelia's sharp eyes caught the scene. For a moment she paused, watching the flustered girl slip away as if her heart were about to burst. A soft, knowing giggle escaped Amelia's lips.
"So… he really has returned."
Her expression warmed with quiet amusement before she turned and carried on with her morning chores, saying nothing.
---
The day unfolded in its usual rhythm—breakfast shared around the table, Mary's laughter filling the room as she tugged insistently at Ethan's sleeve to play, Amelia offering sharp remarks softened by her smile. For a brief while, it almost felt like a family.
But eventually, when the dishes were cleared and the hours stretched toward noon, Ethan and Lirael found themselves alone in the hall.
Ethan leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, his tone steady but edged with urgency.
"It's been two days already. We can't stay any longer. They'll be on their way soon, and if we linger, it'll get messy. We should move."
Lirael's gaze dropped, her expression shadowing. She hesitated, then lifted her eyes, calm but resolute.
"While you were gone… I roamed the village. I found a slave trader. He sold his 'stock' yesterday, but he's staying here for a week before moving on." Her voice hardened, every word laced with intent. "If we go today… we can reach him."
Ethan studied her carefully. "You're certain about this?"
She nodded firmly, without flinching. "Completely. I won't regret it."
For a moment, silence hung between them. Then Ethan sighed softly, his expression softening with something close to protectiveness.
"Well, if you change your mind… say the word. I'll cancel the contract immediately."
Her lips curved faintly, almost a smile. "I won't."
He exhaled, then leaned forward. "Before that… shouldn't we at least say our goodbyes? Especially to Mary. I don't want her seeing you with that collar on. Not after what you told me about slaves."
Lirael's eyes softened at the mention of the girl. "I don't care what the rest of the world thinks… but Mary…" She paused, her throat tightening before she forced a smile. "Yes, it will be difficult for her to understand..."
---
By afternoon, Amelia returned from her work, brushing stray strands of hair from her face as she stepped into the courtyard. Mary trailed behind her, skipping with her usual boundless energy, clutching a wooden doll in her hands.
As soon as she spotted Ethan and Lirael approaching, Mary beamed and waved enthusiastically. "Big brother Ethan! Big sister Lirael!"
Ethan felt the smallest pang in his chest at her joy. Lirael's fingers twitched at her side, her composure wavering.
Amelia glanced between them, sharp as always, her eyes narrowing slightly as if she already sensed something unspoken hanging in the air. She folded her arms, leaning casually against the doorframe, waiting.
Ethan gave Lirael a small nod. It was time.