Lumina woke up the next morning to the soft light slipping through the curtains. Her body felt lighter than the night before.
The fever had eased, though her limbs still ached from exhaustion. What comforted her most wasn't the warmth of the sheets, but the steady heartbeat against her back.
Ashen was still there, he hadn't left her side.
A small smile touched her lips as she felt his breath on her neck. "He never left," she whispered to herself, curling closer into his chest and inhaling the familiar scent that always lingered on him.
"You are awake," his deep voice rumbled softly behind her, vibrating against her back. She didn't reply. Instead, she pressed herself closer, clutching his hand as if doing so would keep him there forever.
"Good morning…." he whored so close to her ear and she only responded with a smile.
"Do you plan to proceed with the silent treatment today?" She only snorted in return and he smiled against her neck.
