When Aelira woke, it wasn’t to peace.
It was to heat—the warmth of Astren’s body wrapped around hers, arm draped possessively over her waist, his breath at her ear. The furs tangled around them held the scent of smoke, salt, and him. Her muscles ached in ways that had nothing to do with battle.
And still—she wasn’t afraid.
Astren stirred beside her, voice a gravel-wrapped hum. “You didn’t run.”
“I don’t run,” she said, not opening her eyes.
“Not even from this?”
Her eyes flicked open. His silver gaze was already waiting.
“This?” she echoed.
“You,” he said simply. “Me. What’s building between us.”
She sat up slowly, letting the cool air bite her skin. “I’ve got enough monsters chasing me. Don’t need another inside my chest.”
Astren sat up behind her, brushing her hair from her bac
