The next morning felt… different.
Aria woke up slowly, her eyes blinking open as soft light filtered through the curtains. For a moment, she didn’t move. She just lay there, feeling the warmth around her.
Then she realized.
Adrian.
His arm was still wrapped around her waist, holding her close even in his sleep. Her back was pressed against his chest, and she could feel his steady breathing against her neck.
She stayed still, listening to it.
For once, her chest didn’t feel tight. No anger, no frustration pressing down on her. Just… calm.
A small smile crept onto her face before she could stop it.
Carefully, she turned her head slightly to look at him. He was still asleep, his face relaxed in a way she rarely saw. Without the usual sharpness in his eyes, he looked almost… softer.
L
