I woke to the warmth of sunlight streaming through the forest canopy, illuminating the world in soft golden hues. My body ached, not from pain, but from the intensity of the night before. Ash lay beside me, his crimson eyes closed, his features relaxed in a way I’d never seen. He looked peaceful, almost human—as if the darkness that had always clung to him had momentarily loosened its grip.
For a moment, I allowed myself to believe this was real, that we could exist like this, unburdened by the chaos that surrounded us. But reality came crashing back with the weight of my plan, the knowledge of what I’d done and what I still had to do.
Ash stirred, his eyes fluttering open. When his gaze met mine, a slow smile spread across his face. “Good morning, cherub,” he said, his voice husky and w
