She hadn't realized when he had entered the room while she was crying in her prayer. She

was so engrossed that she didn't notice. Not even when he sat on a chair behind her. She

had fallen asleep, her head resting against the prayer mat.

She looked so pure. So exotic. So beautiful.

Like an enchantress.

Moonlight fell directly on her face.

Or perhaps it wasn't the moonlight—it was something else illuminating her face so much

that he felt compelled to touch her, to stroke her cheeks.

He got up, ...