Natalie~
I woke to the first rays of dawn filtering through the heavy drapes of our royal chambers, my body still wrapped in Zane's strong arms. His steady breathing against my neck was a reminder that the night had passed peacefully, but the memory of what lay ahead pressed on my chest like an iron claw. Jasmine stirred in my mind, her voice a playful growl. "Rise and shine, Mara. Time to make that bastard Darius regret every breath he's taken."
I turned in Zane's embrace, tracing the sharp line of his jaw with my fingertips. His eyes fluttered open, those piercing blue depths locking onto mine with that possessive intensity that always made my heart race. "Morning, my queen," he murmured, his voice husky from sleep. He pulled me closer, his lips brushing mine in a soft, lingering kiss that sent sparks through my veins.
