The Shadow Nexus Online

---

Chapter 28: A Night of No Rest

The warmth of the enchanted house provided a welcome respite from the chilling winds outside. The soft glow of the fireplace cast gentle shadows along the walls as Rio, Retina, and Iris explored the cozy space.

"Not bad, huh?" Retina grinned, running her hand over the polished wooden table. "I told you this spell was worth mastering."

"It's perfect," Rio replied, his voice calm but his mind already thinking about the challenges ahead. "We'll be safe here for the night."

But then, Rio's eyes landed on the single bed in the corner of the room. His expression stiffened.

"Uh… guys." He rubbed the back of his neck, glancing between Retina and Iris. "Looks like there's only one bed."

Retina blinked, her crimson eyes narrowing in thought. "Hmm… I didn't realize that."

Iris, in her human form, tilted her head. "That's fine, right? It's big enough for all of us."

Rio's eyes widened slightly. "Wait… what? No way. I'll take the floor."

"Absolutely not," Retina said firmly, crossing her arms. "I built this house, and you're not sleeping on the floor."

"Agreed," Iris added, her silver eyes narrowing with playful defiance. "We're not letting you freeze down there."

"But—"

"No buts," Retina interrupted, already walking toward the bed. "You're sleeping with us. End of discussion."

Rio sighed in defeat, realizing there was no winning this argument. "Alright, fine. But if I fall off the bed, it's on you."

As they climbed into the bed, Rio positioned himself between the two of them, hoping to leave enough space. But that plan was quickly abandoned as both Retina and Iris snuggled closer.

"Comfortable?" Retina asked, resting her head lightly on Rio's shoulder.

"Uh… sure…" Rio muttered, already feeling the heat rising to his face.

Iris curled up on his other side, her body naturally warm. "Good. Now sleep."

But sleep did not come.

As the night stretched on, Rio found himself trapped between the two. Retina's soft breathing tickled his neck, while Iris instinctively pressed against him, her warmth radiating through the thin fabric of her nightwear.

This… is not happening… Rio's mind screamed as he tried to shift slightly, but the weight of their bodies pressed against him from both sides.

Minutes turned to hours.

I can't breathe…

Rio's face was practically buried between them now. Their steady, rhythmic breathing should have been soothing, but instead, it felt like a suffocating embrace.

Why me? Rio groaned internally, feeling his body go rigid. No matter how much he tried to adjust, the softness pressing against him on either side left him utterly immobilized.

As the night dragged on, Retina and Iris slept peacefully—completely unaware of Rio's predicament. But for Rio… sleep was nothing but a distant dream.

"Kill me now…" he whispered under his breath, his voice barely a sigh.

The moonlight filtered through the window as the night wore on, and while his companions rested soundly, Rio was left wide awake, counting the hours until dawn.

---