[Rynthall Estate—The Next Day]
The sun spilled through the curtains, painting the chamber in a soft golden glow. Birds chirped outside as though mocking the fact that inside, Lucien felt like a corpse reborn. His lashes fluttered, and he groaned softly, his voice rough with sleep.
"Why… do I feel tired the very moment I wake up…?" he mumbled, rubbing his temple.
Then something wriggled against his chest.
"Mmmh… Mama…" came a tiny, muffled voice.
Lucien peeked under the blanket, only for his heart to soften instantly. Elysia was curled against him, her little arms hugging his tunic, lips brushing his chest.
"…Mama…" she breathed again in her sleep, her face so sweetly at peace that Lucien almost forgot how to breathe himself.
A smile—helpless and utterly besotted—spread across his lips. He hugged her close, whispering like a prayer. "My god… I was blessed this morning before heaven even opened its gates."
