Chapter 122

Alaria

The first thing I felt when I woke was his warmth. Liam’s arm was wrapped firmly around me, his chest pressed to my back, his steady breaths ghosting across my hair.

I did not move and fear that I would wake him up as I savored the moments between us. For once, I didn’t feel the weight of dread dragging me out of bed. For once, I let myself stay still, cocooned in the safety of him. For once, I just allowed myself to rest, knowing well that the world outside was full of chaos and yet I just wanted to embrace this one.

I ran my finger over his arm, feeling him tighten his grip around me ever so slightly, silently letting me know that he was awake.

I shifted slightly, turning toward him, and his eyes opened slowly, hazy but soft, as if he’d been awake long before me just watching. I ran my fingers over his jawline and the smile on his face was one that I couldn't help but find myself admire.

“Morning,” he murmured, his voice rough with