Alisha stirred awake, the warmth of morning sunlight slipping through the tall curtains and kissing her skin. She blinked slowly, feeling the ache deep in her body, a different kind of soreness she had never known before. It wasn't painful—rather, it was a lingering reminder of last night, of his touch, his heat, the way he had claimed her without fully claiming her.
Her hand instinctively moved over her lower belly, and she gasped softly. Something feels different inside of me. It wasn't just the soreness—it was as if her body had awakened to a hidden rhythm, a humming energy flowing through her veins. She pressed her palm gently against her chest. Her heartbeat sounded… louder, sharper.
Just then, Zeriel shifted beside her, his arm tightening protectively around her waist. He kissed her temple, his lips brushing her skin.
"Good morning, my lady," his voice was low, husky, carrying that commanding warmth that always sent shivers down her spine.
