WHEN THE MOON WENT DARK
Elara woke to warmth.
Not just the warmth of fur-lined blankets or the low-burning hearth across the room, but the steady heat of Kael’s body behind her. His arm was wrapped around her waist, heavy and protective even in sleep. For a moment she lay still, listening to the quiet rhythm of his breath against her shoulder.
Something felt different.
The bond between them had always been there — a thread, a pull, sometimes sharp, sometimes fragile. This morning it felt steadier. Like a rope woven thicker overnight. When she focused, she could sense him more clearly. Not just his presence, but his mood. Calm. Alert beneath the surface. Certain.
He stirred as she shifted, his hand tightening slightly as if instinctively unwilling to let her go.
“You’re awake,” he mur
