(Apollo)
Apollo came awake slowly. That was new.
He did not wake slowly. For centuries, consciousness returned to him like a blade—clean, sharp, immediate.
Not today. Today, he woke slow and warm. The air in his lungs felt different—thicker, quieter. It was as if the palace had taken a careful breath, choosing not to disturb him. Them. He was warm…and holding something. Someone.
His fingers flexed instinctively, brushing over a curve of soft skin beneath the blanket. A small inhale answered the touch, feather-light against his chest. Her breath. Her body. Her.
Adelaide.
His eyes opened. He found her nestled against him exactly as she had fallen asleep. Her forehead pressed beneath his jaw, one hand lightly fisted in his hair, bare legs tangled with his. His wing curled ar
