Lyra's POV
Consciousness crept over me slowly as my eyelids fluttered open. The room lay shrouded in shadows, save for the silver starlight streaming through the window and a warm amber glow spilling from the bathroom we'd forgotten to turn off.
Xander held me captive in his embrace, his powerful arms wrapped around my waist like steel bands. His chest rose and fell in steady rhythm beneath my cheek. Despite the firm muscle beneath my head, his warmth made him the perfect pillow.
Curiosity got the better of me as I tilted my head upward to study his face.
The sight before me made my heart skip several beats.
Sleep had transformed Xander completely. Gone was his usual scowl or that irritating smirk I'd grown accustomed to. Instead, pure tranquility softened his sharp features, making him appear almost vulnerable. Boyish, even. The harsh lines around his eyes had smoothed away, revealing a peace I'd never witnessed before.
