Chapter 26: The Morning After
Damien wakes to the crisp morning air and the soft rustling of leaves. The lake stretches out before him, its surface smooth as glass, reflecting the pale golden hues of dawn. His body aches in the best way, memories of last night replaying in his mind like a fever dream. But something is missing. He turns, expecting to find Elara still curled up beside him, tangled in the remnants of their shared heat. Instead, the space is empty, the cool grass flattened where she once lay. She’s gone. Damien exhales, running a hand through his tousled hair. A smirk tugs at his lips as realization dawns. She fled. Out of embarrassment? Guilt? He isn’t sure, but it’s adorable. He pushes himself up, stretching his stiff muscles before gathering his clothes. The dampness from last night’s rain still li
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