[VOLUME 14: THE SHATTERED HEAVENS][ARC 3: THE ABYSSAL COURT]
For the first time in millennia, the Lord of the Abyss was entirely at peace.
Elara lay tangled in the heavy black silk of Aldren's bed, her head resting against his broad, scarred chest. The steady, slow thud of his immortal heart was a soothing drum against her cheek. One of his massive hands was still draped possessively over her waist, holding her flush against him even in deep sleep.
The afterglow of their union was a heavy, intoxicating warmth that still hummed in her veins. She lazily traced the edge of one of the pale scars cutting across his ribs, marveling at how the shadows of the room seemed to curl affectionately around the bed, standing guard over their Master's rest.
Then, Aldren stopped breathing.
Elara froze. The shadows in the room violently recoiled, snapping like frightened vipers.
