Lumina shifted slightly, her lashes fluttering open, though she saw nothing but a soft reflection of the light and shadow that made her feel warmth.
Her body, which had felt sore and heavy the previous night, now rested in comfort.
The pain was still there, but it was soft and now numb. She let out a slow breath, and the corners of her lips lifted into a faint smile.
The mattress beside her sank slightly, as if someone was sitting or lying there. A familiar scent filled her senses warmly.
"Ashen," she whispered, stunned.
Her heart began to beat a little faster, slow but strong. She reached out with her hand, moving carefully across the bed until her fingertips brushed against something warm.
She froze for a moment, hardly daring to breathe.
Her fingers traced the firm line of a jaw, then glided upward to the smooth curve of a cheek.
She found the shape of his brow and lingered there, smiling softly to herself.
