Chapter 38

Olivia Martins

The morning light filtered in soft and golden, casting warm rays over the tangled sheets and bare skin. I blinked slowly, breath shallow as I took in the man sleeping beside me.

Caspian.

His chest rose and fell steadily, one arm looped protectively around my waist, the other curled near his face. His lips were parted just slightly, his lashes dark against his skin. He looked younger like this. Peaceful. Human.

I didn’t want to move.

Every part of me ached, but not in a painful way. I ached with the memory of him, of us finally coming together after years of distance, heartbreak, and longing. My body still hummed with the imprint of his touch, and I knew I’d never be the same. I didn’t want to.

I shifted a little to face him, brushing my fingertips along his jaw.

His eyes opened slowly.

“Hi,” he murmured, his voice low and rough with sleep.

“Hi.”

A sleepy smile tugged at his lips. “You’re still here.”