Chapter 13

Elara’s POV

I woke up to warmth. Not the kind from the blanket or the fireplace. This one was real. Solid.

Kieran.

I was still in his arms, tucked against his chest, my ear was right over his heart–I could hear it. Steady, calm. Like everything was okay.

The room was quiet except for the soft sound of his breathing. It was… surreal. Lying here, next to him, in his bed, after everything that’s happened. And somehow, it didn’t feel wrong. It felt safe. Like something out of a dream I wasn’t ready to wake up from.

I knew I couldn’t stay like this forever, but I didn’t want to move either. I didn’t know how many more mornings like this I’d get. I shifted a little, careful not to wake him and slowly lifted my head.

He was still asleep, arms around me, face relaxed in a way I’d never seen before. His hair was a little messy, falling over his forehead. He looked… peaceful. Like all the weight he carried was finally off his shoulders for a moment.<