The sunlight spilled lazily across the room, warm and soft, as if reluctant to leave the quiet house behind. Zahra stirred under the crisp white sheets, feeling a lingering warmth that had nothing to do with the sun. Aesir slept beside her, his face calm, chest rising and falling steadily, a quiet reminder of the night that had followed their dinner.
She turned onto her side, letting her fingers brush over his arm, a small smile tugging at her lips. Last night had been more intimate than she’d anticipated. Not hurried, not loud just calm, shared touches and quiet laughter in the dim candlelight. A small thrill of satisfaction ran through her as she remembered it, feeling grounded in the steady presence of him next to her.
By the time they reached the breakfast table, Aesir had already br
