Chapter 143

Sienna

The cottage was quiet, save for the soft crackling of the fireplace and the occasional rustle of the trees outside. The moonlight slipped in through the curtains, casting a silver hue across the room. Damon and I were curled beneath the sheets, our bodies tangled together, the warmth between us enough to keep the night air at bay.

Everything seemed peaceful, too peaceful. But I allowed myself to admire that peace. I allowed myself to live through it.

I rested my head against his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart. His fingers brushed lazily up and down my spine, tracing invisible lines along my bare skin. My eyes were half-lidded, sleep tugging at the edges of my mind, but I didn’t want to close them. Not yet. Not when everything felt this perfect.

Not when everything felt whole. Not when I wanted everything to be completely as it is. I want it to be by her side. I did not want to lose him. I did not want to lose his presence. Nor