Vael's POV
The first pale light of dawn crept through the floor-to-ceiling windows of our bedroom, painting the room in soft hues of gold and rose. I woke long before Lirien, my body heavy with exhaustion but my mind already racing, refusing to grant me any more rest.
He was curled against my chest like he belonged there, which he did. His silver-white hair was adorably messy, falling across his forehead and tickling my skin. One of his hands rested loosely over my heart, as if even in sleep he needed the steady rhythm to feel safe. His breathing was slow and even, warm puffs against my collarbone. The faint scent of him — sweet omega warmth mixed with the lingering traces of both Davis and me — wrapped around us like a fragile shield.
