The faint morning light spilled through the curtains when I stirred awake. My body was heavy, but my thoughts were heavier. My chest felt so tight from crying to exhaustion last night.
My last clear memory I had was the cruel laughter, Redmund's cold words, Lilith's malicious acting... and then... My hand stilled as it brushed over the faint hollow etched into the edge of my bed.
Someone had stayed by my side until sleep overtook me. I remembered the warmth of a calloused hand caressing my hair, the heat of the body emitting, and the low murmur of a voice I knew too well.
"Lucretius..." I whispered.
I gasped and sat abruptly, my heart pulsating from the realization. Oh, my dear Moon Goddess! Had it been real? Was Commander Lucretius really here in my room last night?
My eyes roamed a
