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Morning came without noise, not with alarms or rushed steps, but with light spreading slowly across the room. The sky outside held a pale color, soft and wide, and it made the walls glow in a gentle way. I woke before Damien this time, my body calm and rested. I stayed still for a moment, watching the rise and fall of his chest, feeling the warmth of his presence beside me. There was something strong in this kind of peace. It did not shout or demand attention. It simply existed, steady and sure, and I understood that this was the kind of strength that lasted.
I slipped out of bed quietly and moved to the window, wrapping a light robe around myself. The land outside stretched far and open, touched by early light. Wolves moved in the distance, starting their day, some training, some walk
