The soft morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the room. Lucius stirred, his arm still draped protectively over Catherine, who rested peacefully beside him. Her hair was a cascade of silk against the pillows, and her breathing was soft and steady. For a moment, Lucius allowed himself to relax, watching her with a rare tenderness in his eyes.
As Catherine began to wake, she opened her eyes to find him gazing at her. A sleepy smile graced her lips. “Good morning,” she murmured, her voice still laced with the softness of sleep.
Lucius leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. “Good morning, my love,” he replied, his voice unusually soft.
They lay there for a moment, basking in the warmth of each other’s presence. But as the quiet stretched on, Cat
