Selene awoke to the sound of soft birdsong outside her chamber window. She blinked against the light shining through the curtains and reflecting gently across her sheets.
To her surprise strength had returned to her limbs. The ache that had haunted her bones, the tightness in her chest eased. Her hands, once trembling and cold, now lay calmly by her side. She lifted them slowly, marveling at the steadiness, the way her fingers obeyed without pain. She was whole. Restored.
Turning her head, she spotted Liam sitting in a chair beside her bed. He looked exhausted but alert, his elbow rested on the armrest, fingers slightly grazing his lips in thoughts. When their eyes met, he softened.
"You're awake," he said, voice rough from sleep. He leaned forward as if afraid she might vanish.
She no
