Damon's POV
Maya was lost in dreams, her breathing steady and peaceful. I decided against disturbing her slumber. We had collapsed into bed at dawn, but sleep eluded me as thoughts churned relentlessly in my mind. I padded to the kitchen where hushed voices caught my attention. Cole and Ophelia were huddled in conversation, their tones conspiratorial.
"Well, look what the night dragged in," Cole quipped when he noticed me, gesturing to the shadows beneath my eyes.
"What can I say? Your sister is quite demanding," I shot back with a smirk. His smile vanished instantly.
"Please, spare me those details," Cole groaned, feigning disgust. "Though I'm grateful you two kept the noise down last night." I couldn't suppress a grin, remembering Maya's valiant attempts at silence.
Ophelia handed me a steaming mug. "Where's Maya?"
"Still asleep. Exhaustion got the better of her." I directed a knowing look at Cole, who responded with an exaggerated huff.
