Third POV
The sun crept lazily through the thin curtains of the room, drawing pale gold lines across the tangled sheets. Julian lay awake long before the light touched the bed, his eyes fixed on the ceiling but his body heavy with fatigue. His muscles ached from the night before, his throat dry, his chest tight from holding in too many thoughts he had no words for.
Beside him, Reina stirred softly. Her body was curled against him, bare skin warm and damp from the lingering heat of their night. Even in sleep, her breathing was light, uneven, her chest rising too quickly. Her scent wrapped around him sweet and sharp. He hated how much it owned him, how it ruled every thought, every nerve, every part of him.
He shifted carefully, meaning to pull away, but the movement roused her. Her lashe
