The sanctuary was finally beginning to breathe again.
Two days after the full moon battle, the courtyard had been cleared of bodies, the broken gates reinforced, and the worst of the wounded stabilized. Sofia stood on the balcony of the master suite, watching the morning light filter through the trees. Her hand rested on her rounded belly as Lucas gave a strong kick, as if reminding her he was still fighting too.
Julian stepped up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist. He was still moving carefully, the deep wounds from the battle not yet fully healed, but his presence was solid and warm. The mate bond between them hummed steadily now, a constant golden thread that soothed the chaos in her soul.
“You should be resting,” Sofia murmured, leaning back into his chest.
“So should y
