Ayla's POV
That first night was torture.
I lay in my small bed, staring at the ceiling, acutely aware of Arkon in the next room. Through the thin wall, I could hear him moving around. The creak of his bed as he lay down. His breathing as he tried to sleep.
Around midnight, my phone buzzed. A text from Arkon: "Are you awake?"
"Yes," I typed back. "Can't sleep."
"Me neither. The bond is restless."
"I know. I feel it too."
A pause. Then: "I wish I could hold you. Like at the inn."
"My parents would kill you if you snuck into my room."
"Probably. But it would almost be worth it."
I smiled despite my frustration. "Goodnight, Arkon. Try to sleep."
"Goodnight, Ayla. Sweet dreams."
The next few days fell into an unexpected rhythm. Mornings, I' would help Mom with birthday preparations
