Mailah's eyes fluttered open.
The silver moon, the misty valley, and the grand velvet coat were all gone.
Instead, warm morning sunlight was pouring through the sheer linen curtains of their master bedroom, painted in soft shades of gold across the white duvet.
Mailah took a slow, deep breath. The familiar, comforting scent of rain and dark oak wood filled her lungs. She shifted slightly, immediately feeling the heavy, solid warmth pressed against her side.
Grayson was still in bed.
Mailah blinked, staring at him in genuine surprise.
This was a rare sight. Usually, by the time the first ray of sunlight hit the windowsill, Grayson was already up. He was either in the kitchen wearing a neat apron, meticulously slicing fresh fruit and making coffee, or he was downstairs in his dark suit, quietly handling urgent Ashford clan business before she even opened her eyes.
But right now, the great, terrifying demon lord was fast asleep beside her.
