Karren's POV
I woke up to see the day was already bright. For a long time, I just laid in bed.
Selena had slept beside me.
It felt surreal.
She had chosen to stay after last night. After the dance, after the kiss, after my plea that she make this her place.
I turned my head carefully. She was still sleeping, her body curled slightly toward mine. Her hair spread across the pillow like a shadowy flame, her breaths slow and steady. There was a hint of peace on her face..
A strange ache pulled in my chest.
I reached out, brushing my fingers lightly down her arm. Her skin was warm. She stirred but didn’t wake.
So I slipped out of bed and pulled on a robe.
I paced the chamber slowly, still not used to this new rhythm. There had always been a weight to my mornings. Duty. Command. Territ
