Morning arrived quietly, slipping through the curtains in soft golden streaks that warmed the room inch by inch.
Aria stirred first.
For a moment, she didn't move just lay there, half-awake, feeling the steady rise and fall beneath her. Rafael's arm was wrapped securely around her, his hold firm even in sleep, as if somewhere deep down he still feared she might disappear. She tilted her head slightly, looking up at him.
In the calm light of morning, he looked different. The sharp edges, the constant tension he carried it was all softened. Peaceful. Almost vulnerable. A side of him no one else ever got to see.A faint smile touched her lips.
Carefully, she shifted, not wanting to wake him… but the moment she moved, his hold tightened slightly.
"Trying to escape already?" His voice was low, rough with sleep.
Aria let out a soft breath, a hint of amusement in her eyes. "I didn't know I was being held hostage."
