The sunlight had grown stubborn.
It slipped past the curtain of leaves that hung across the window, scattering golden rays through the room like playful ribbons.
Evethra stirred beneath the sheets, her long lashes fluttering as her eyes adjusted to the light.
For a moment, she merely stared at the ceiling—then at the sunlight breaking through.
"…Oh no," she murmured, her voice still drowsy. "It's already this bright? I'm very late today…"
She sat up slowly, brushing her hair behind her ear as she glanced toward the window again.
'It's the first day I was supposed to oversee the new maid and butler recruits…' she whispered inwardly, 'and here I am still in bed.'
Stretching lightly, she turned—and froze.
Kael's face was inches from hers, his golden eyes half-lidded, and his dark hair a disheveled mess across the pillow.
Neither of them spoke for a few breaths. The silence between them was warm, not awkward—like the calm hum after a long, vivid dream.
