The Morning Of Departure

[Mason's POV]

Bright sunlight trickled into the small room around us, illuminating my love's serene sleeping face. Reaching out a hand, I touched her cheek, luxuriating in the warmth of her skin.

As much as I wanted to stay like this, I needed to go.

Today was the day. We would be traveling to the Arcadian Islands to retrieve Bryllie and bring her home where she belonged. After she was safe, we would deal with the traitorous harpies.

Sitting up, I was careful to not jostle Danica awake. She needed all the sleep she could get.

"Mmmm." Her warm voice murmured as her golden eyes fluttered open. "Mason?"

A thrill rushed through me at my name on her lips. It still wasn't said quite the same as when she remembered me, but I was happy to have made it back to this point with her.

"Go back to sleep." I murmured, giving a smile. "I've got to go prepare my team."

Danica and I had decided to go our separate ways with this, each taking one end of the island, so there was no chance for escape. Eve