"You shouldn't sneak out of bed," Damien said, his voice still rough with sleep.
The deep sound broke the quiet of the room.
Aria turned from the window.
Morning sunlight streamed through the glass, painting the floor in soft gold and illuminating the rolling hills beyond the estate. The peaceful view felt almost unreal after everything that had happened.
Damien was sitting up now, one hand dragging slowly through his dark hair.
Most people looked vulnerable when they first woke up.
Damien somehow looked dangerous.
His eyes were already sharp despite having woken only seconds ago, and even half asleep he carried the presence of an Alpha who could command an entire territory with a single glance.
She smiled faintly.
"I wasn't sneaking."
"You left the bed," he replied calmly. "That qualifies."
Aria crossed her arms.
"You were sleeping."
Damien raised an eyebrow.
"I wasn't."
"That's impossible."
"No."
A corner of his mouth lifted slightly.
"I was pretending."
