The dawn slipped softly into the sanctuary, painting the world in gentle hues of gold and rose. Outside, the silver leaves trembled in the lightest breeze, but inside, the cave still held the lingering warmth of the night before — a warmth that wasn’t just from the fire Kael had kindled. It was something deeper, something born from the closeness they’d found in each other.
Aria stirred first, the feel of Kael’s steady heartbeat beneath her cheek anchoring her to the moment. She blinked slowly, the dawn light catching on the faint silver pulse beneath her skin — a rhythm that had quickened overnight. It was subtle, but unmistakable. Something inside her was waking, like a flame fanned by the gentlest breath.
Kael shifted beside her, eyes half-lidded with the soft haze of sleep and satisfa
