Sophie's POV
"Stay with me?" He pulled me down beside him.
"Where else would I go?"
Christian wrapped his arms around me carefully, mindful of his healing ribs. I rested my head on his chest, listening to his heartbeat.
Strong. Steady. Alive.
"I thought I lost you," I said quietly. "When you collapsed after killing Harold. I felt you slipping away through our bond."
"I'm here. I'm not going anywhere."
"Promise?"
"Promise."
We fell asleep like that, tangled together, our bond humming with contentment.
The next morning, I woke up before Christian.
I watched him sleep, peaceful and relaxed for the first time in weeks. No nightmares. No tension. Just rest.
I slipped out of bed and made breakfast—actual cooking, not just grabbing protein bars. Eggs, toast,
