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Emilia’s POV
The early morning sunlight streamed through the bedroom windows, giving the room a beautiful golden hue. I blinked awake slowly, my eyes adjusting to the light, and for a moment, I forgot where I was. Then I turned my head and saw him. Alaric was still asleep, his face relaxed and peaceful in a way I didn’t often see.
His hand rested just Inches away from mine on the rumpled sheets, and I couldn’t resist the small smile tugging at my lips. I shifted slightly, trying not to disturb him, but the movement must have been enough because his eyes fluttered open.
“Good morning,” he said, his voice husky and still thick with sleep.
“Morning,” I replied softly, suddenly aware of how close we were.
This felt different. Easier. There wasn’t the usual tension or hesitance that s
