The first rays of dawn crept through the thin curtains, painting the modest inn room in a soft golden hue.
Azel's eyes fluttered open before the sun had fully risen.
For a moment, he remained still, listening to the faint sound of birds outside, the distant murmur of wagons being loaded in the streets below.
His body felt warm, comfortable — too comfortable.
When he turned his head, he understood why.
Edna was wrapped around him like a living blanket.
Her silver hair spilled across the pillow and over his chest, her cheek pressed against him with an expression of pure serenity.
One arm clung to his torso, while her leg draped possessively across his lower body.
The warmth of her body enveloped him entirely, their limbs tangled as if she feared letting him go even in sleep.
Her lips parted slightly with each gentle breath, and now and then, she made a soft noise — half sigh, half mumble that melted away the sharp edge of morning silence.
