The next morning dawned soft and golden.
Sunlight streamed through the tall windows of Damian's chambers, casting long, warm beams across the stone floor. Evelina stirred first, still tangled beneath the furs, her head tucked under Damian's chin and one of his arms draped possessively across her waist.
She didn't move immediately.
She just listened to his heartbeat—a quiet, steady rhythm that grounded her in a world that seemed to shift and challenge her every day.
Relia stretched lazily in her mind. "Waking up in a prince's bed every morning. You've come a long way from laboratories and backstabbing exes."
Evelina smiled faintly. "Don't ruin it," she whispered.
Damian stirred beside her, groaning softly as he pulled her closer. "Talking to your wolf again?" he mumbled.
"She's sassy in the mornings."
"I like her. She approves of me."
"She likes that you don't snore."
"I don't snore," he said indignantly.
"You do."
He cracked one eye open. "Lies."
