LILY
The morning light filtered through our bedroom curtains, casting soft shadows across Ace's face as he stirred beside me. For a moment, I allowed myself to simply watch him sleep, memorizing the peaceful expression he wore so different from the weight of authority he'd been carrying lately.
His eyes opened slowly, meeting mine with that lazy smile that still made my heart skip.
"Morning, beautiful," he murmured, his voice rough with sleep.
"Morning." I traced my finger along his jawline. "How are you feeling?"
"Better. Much better." He stretched, and I could see the tension that had been knotting his shoulders for days was finally starting to ease. "Today feels... different."
"Different how?"
"Like maybe we can get through this."
I wanted to share his optimism, but something in
