Dawn crept slowly through the trees, pale silver light washing over the clearing where the storm had raged hours before. The earth still smelled of rain and power.Maya woke in Aiden’s arms.For a moment, she forgot everything — the fight, the lightning, Lucian’s fury. All she felt was warmth. Solid. Safe.Aiden’s heartbeat beneath her cheek was steady now, no longer wild with battle. His hand rested protectively at her waist even in sleep, as though some part of him feared she might disappear.But something inside her had changed.She could feel it.The bond.It pulsed softly in her chest — not chaotic, not overwhelming. Controlled. Awake.Aiden stirred.His eyes opened slowly, gold flickering before settling into their usual warmth. When he saw her watching him, something vulnerable crossed his face.“You’re still here,” he murmured.Maya smiled faintly. “I didn’t plan on going anywhere.”He exhaled like he’d been holding his breath for years.But then his expression shifted. Tensio
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