35
Devarius opened his eyes as the red gleam of sunlight entered his window. He had wanted to sleep in—after all, it’d been days since he’d had a full night’s sleep. But he knew he had too much to do. When his eyes opened, he was awake. Though still a little drowsy, he decided to make himself some tea over a fire. After setting the logs in his fireplace and igniting the twigs, he enjoyed the crackles of the fire before placing the kettle on the grate above the flames.
A knock at the door broke Devarius from his thoughts. He made sure the kettle was secure before he went to the door. When he opened it, he saw the most beautiful sight, more beautiful than anything he could have imagined in his wildest dreams.
“Aquila.” He smiled.
She slapped him.
His eyes widened, his mouth parted, and
