Mira's P.O.VWhen dawn came, it didn’t bring peace.Only the illusion of it.The air outside the cottage was still heavy with the scent of ash and rain, but the sky had softened into pale blue. The first light crept through the shutters and brushed against Alina’s cheek, turning her skin gold. She stirred, blinking sleepily, before nestling back into the blanket.For a few seconds, I just watched her — this small, perfect reminder that we were still breathing, still trying. Luca was already awake, sitting by the window, his arm freshly bandaged, his gaze distant. The weak sunlight caught the edge of his jaw, the dark smudges under his eyes, the faint stubble that hadn’t been there a week ago.“You didn’t sleep,” I said quietly, standing behind him.He didn’t turn. “I tried. My mind didn’t agree.”I sighed and sat beside him. Outside, the village was already stirring — roosters crowing, footsteps crunching on gravel, a child’s laughter echoing faintly in the distance. It felt… almost n
Last Updated : 2025-11-12 Read more