A faint thud echoed in Johny’s skull as he stirred awake. The golden morning light bled through the curtains, too bright, too intrusive for his style. He winced, forcing his heavy eyelids open, his body sluggish from the remnants of sleep.

Had he slept so long like this in years?

He slowly opened his eyes, exhaled slowly, but as he turned his head, his entire body went rigid. Ariel was sleeping peacefully beside him.

Her shining blonde hair spilled acrossed the bed spread, strands catching the sunlight. Her breathing was soft and even, her lips slightly parted. There was something almost surreal about her—like a sleeping beauty caught in a...