Lucian
I woke at four, the sky still wrapped in shadows and silence. The room was dim, the faintest outline of Mara’s sleeping form curled beside me, her chest rising and falling in a rhythm I knew by heart. I hated to disturb her, but I knew she’d never forgive me if I left without a word.
Leaning in, I pressed a kiss to her lips, gentle, lingering.
She stirred, groaned softly, and blinked herself into awareness. “Are you ready?” she asked, her voice thick with sleep.
I nodded. “I just wanted to say goodbye. You can go back to sleep, darling.”
But Mara was already swinging her legs over the bed, shaking her head. Determined as always.
I heard the bathroom tap run, then the familiar sound of her gargling. I couldn’t help but chuckle. Even half-asleep, she wouldn’t let me leave with m
