Aria's POV
Mooncrest looked different in the morning light — not changed, exactly, but softer somehow, the way a room feels different once you've stopped bracing for bad news in it.
I found Damien already awake beside me, propped on one elbow, simply watching me with an expression I still hadn't grown used to receiving so openly.
"You're staring," I murmured.
"I'm allowed to." His hand traced a slow line down my arm. "Yesterday I watched you walk into a divided enemy camp unarmed and then perform a ritual that could have killed you. I intend to spend today, and probably several more after it, simply enjoying the fact that you're still here to stare at."
I smiled, warmth spreading through my chest despite the exhaustion still sitting heavy in my bones. "Riven's still here too. Mortal.
