The morning light filtered through the bedroom curtains as I slipped quietly from beneath the sheets. Chloe lay peaceful beside me, her dark hair spread across the pillow like silk. The events of the night before felt like a dream—her confession, our intimacy, the secrets we'd shared.
But the real world always intrudes.
My phone buzzed on the nightstand. Three missed calls from Marcus Wells. Whatever Dragon's Shadow wanted, it could wait.
I dressed quickly and headed downstairs. The villa was quiet, the staff not yet arrived for the day. In the kitchen, I started coffee and began planning breakfast for Chloe when she woke.
Simple domestic tasks. They grounded me in ways that combat never could.
The phone rang again. Marcus Wells, persistent as always.
"What?" I answered curtly.
"Sir, I apologize for the early call, but my superior would like to extend an invitation."
"Not interested."
"Sir, if you could just hear what we're offering—"
