JASMINE
The morning sun streamed softly through the curtains of the master bedroom, painting the spacious room in warm, comforting shades of gold and amber.
For the very first time in long, agonizing months, I woke up without a racing heart.
No cold dread clawing at my throat, no looming deadlines from the System, and no anxiety about an impending attack.
Henry was locked away in a high-security precinct, the Book's dark, manipulative influence was permanently neutralized, and the suffocating cloud that had hung over our family had finally dissolved into thin air.
Beside me, Stephan was still fast asleep, his broad arm draped protectively across my waist, his warm body solid and steady against mine.
Without the constant, exhausting burden of protecting us from unseen shadows, his features were remarkably relaxed.
A helpless smile tugged at my lips as I turned gently, careful not to wake him, and traced the familiar line of his jaw with the tips of my fingers.
