I woke to warmth. It wasn’t just the warmth of the morning sun slipping through the gap in my curtains. No, this was something steadier. Something that rose and fell against my back with slow, even breaths. For one blissful moment, I simply lay there, my eyes still closed, letting myself enjoy it. Then memory returned— Lucian. A smile found its way to my lips before I could stop it. I opened my eyes, slow and careful. The pale morning light spilled across my bedroom from the window. My apartment was quiet— the kind of quiet that only existed before the city fully woke. I shifted slightly, and felt Lucian’s arm tighten instinctively around my waist. I couldn’t help laughing under my breath. He was still asleep. It’d been too long since I had the chance to study him without him noticing. His dark hair was slightly messy, refusing to stay neatly in place. His jaw, usually so tense and composed, had relaxed completely. Even whilst asleep, he looked exhausted.
Last Updated : 2026-08-06 Read more