The golden warmth of the morning sun slipped through the curtains, casting soft shadows across the room. Aria stirred slowly, her body aching—but not in a way that brought pain. Instead, it was the delicious soreness that came from the kind of closeness they hadn’t shared in what felt like forever.

Lucien's arms were still wrapped around her, his face buried in the crook of her neck, his breathing slow and steady. For the first time in weeks, peace clung to them like a second skin. No cold silence. No harsh words. Just quiet… and healing.

When she moved slightly, he groaned low in his throat, pulling her closer. “Don’t...