55

Lirael's POV

I stare out of the window, watching the cars pass by in a slow, almost languid manner. Exhaustion seems to cling to me like a heavy cloak, despite the deep sleep I managed to get last night—perhaps the best rest I've had in a long while. However, jet lag cruelly roused me from slumber earlier than I'd hoped, leaving me feeling drained and sluggish.

Jonathan, our chauffeur, dutifully guides the limo towards my penthouse, and for a fleeting moment, I entertain the idea of instructing him to turn back and return to Zephyra's apartment. Despite my insistence that she take the day off, having kept her up late last night and worn her out before the day had even begun, she adamantly insisted on getting ready and heading into work. She even declined my offer of a ride to the office, urging me to go home and unpack.

Leaning back in my seat, I close my eyes and allow the memory of our morning together to wash over me—the intensity of my desire to possess every part of her, not just