Chapter 127. Let the Day Begin

Aurora’s POV

When I woke up, the first thing I noticed was warmth—Riley’s arms wrapped around me, his body nestled close. He was watching me, his blue eyes soft and full of something I couldn’t quite place.

“Morning,” I murmured, my voice scratchy with sleep. I blinked at him and then furrowed my brows. “How long have you been awake? And why didn’t you wake me up?”

He smiled faintly, shaking his head. “Not long,” he replied, his voice low and soothing. “I didn’t want to wake you. You looked peaceful... well, except for the part where it looked like you’d been crying.”

“What?” My hand flew to my face, brushing against my cheeks, and I felt it—the faint stickiness of dried tears. My stomach tightened. I hadn’t even realized I’d been crying. It must’ve been the stress, the weight of everything over the past few days finally catching up to me. I took a breath, forcing a smile.

“I’m fine, really. Probably just some weird dream or something.” I sat up