Morning sunlight spilled through the tall windows of the manor study.
Kai woke up to find Eliza resting her head on his bare chest.
Her blonde hair spilled across his skin, and her breathing was slow and even.
The faint golden rune on her chest pulsed softly to match the quiet rhythm of her heartbeat.
He let his hand trail down her bare hip, taking a moment to just enjoy the soft warmth of her skin.
She stirred slightly and pushed her smooth leg over his thighs, pressing her body against him in her sleep.
He carefully slipped out from under the blankets so he would not wake her, pulled his dark trousers on and walked over to the open balcony.
The air outside smelled fresh and clean.
The foul stench of rot and dark magic was entirely gone from the wind.
A faint golden dome arched high above the village of Greyhollow, forming a beautiful protective barrier that kept the shadows pushed back into the deep woods.
