Sunlight leaked across the stone floor like spilled honey.
Vireya stirred slowly, blinking against the soft gold light pouring through the balcony doors. Her muscles ached in that delicious, well-used way—hips sore, thighs tender, lips still swollen from Kael’s mouth.
He was still asleep beside her.
One massive arm draped across her waist, holding her close like his body hadn’t gotten the memo the danger had passed. His breathing was even, but even in sleep, he looked dangerous—brows furrowed, mouth set like a man still mid-battle.
His scent wrapped around her: pine smoke, iron, and something darker—like wildfire caught in storm winds.
She could stay like this forever.
But her bladder had other plans.
She wriggled carefully, trying not to wake him.
Didn’t work.
Kael’s hand slid do
