The following morning, the couple woke to the soft golden light of dawn filtering through the floor-to-ceiling windows of their suite. The city of Vellamo was just beginning to stir—the distant sound of gondoliers singing, the gentle lapping of water against the canals, the soft cooing of doves on the balcony.
Lilith stretched lazily, her arms reaching above her head, her silver hair spilling across the silk pillows. Gabriel lay beside her, propped on one elbow, watching her with a contented smile.
"Good morning," he said softly.
She blinked her crimson eyes open and smiled back at him. "Good morning, hubby."
They lay there for a while, savoring the warmth of the bed and the comfort of each other's presence. The city outside their window was waking slowly, but inside their suite, time seemed to stand still.
Gabriel reached for the small bell on the bedside table and rang it. Within minutes, a soft knock announced the arrival of their breakfast.
