(Aria's POV )
Dawn crept slow through the trees, painting the forest in pale gold. The rain had left the world hushed and new. Every branch dripped with light, every shadow softened by mist. For the first time in days, the air didn’t smell like blood or fear. It smelled like promise.
I woke to the warmth of Kael’s arm draped across my waist. His chest rose and fell against my back, steady and quiet. For a moment, I let myself sink into it, the rhythm of him, the rare peace in the Alpha’s breathing. His scent, woodsmoke and wild air, filled my lungs.
He stirred as I did. “Morning,” he murmured, his voice rough with sleep.
I turned slightly, catching his faint smile. “You almost sound human when you say it like that.”
He smirked. “Don’t tell anyone. It’ll ruin my reputation.”
But the
