A sharp knock penetrated the darkness of Kade's consciousness. He did not stir at first, lost in the deepest sleep he had experienced in years. The second knock came, more insistent, finally pulling him from the abyss of restful oblivion. His eyes opened slowly, adjusting to the light filtering through the lancet window of his chamber. Something warm and soft pressed against his chest. Looking down, he saw Lyra's red head resting there, her hair spilling across his bare skin.
The realization did not jolt him as he expected. Instead, a strange calm enveloped him as he registered their position. His arms were protectively wrapped around her slender form. Her breathing was deep and even against him, and her fever had broken sometime during the night.
