Chapter 93 — Fractured Dawn
The morning after the Convergence broke soft and golden over the Obsidian Throne, as if the world itself was trying to pretend the previous day's horrors had been a nightmare.
Cairis woke first, the way he always did when the kingdom was healing. He lay on his side, one arm draped possessively over Liora's waist, watching the slow rise and fall of her chest. The scars from the recent battles stood out starkly against his skin — deep gashes that the healers had closed but that would leave permanent marks. Liora slept deeply beside him, her face finally peaceful, the faint violet glow of hybrid runes on her collarbone pulsing in time with their soul bond.
He brushed a strand of hair from her cheek, careful not to wake her. After weeks of chaos, this quiet felt almost sacred.
Liora stirred, eyes fluttering open. A slow, sleepy smile curved her lips when she saw him watching her.
"Good morning, my king," she whispered, voice still husky with sleep.
