Lilian tested the connection carefully, thinking Dante's name with intention.
His eyes snapped opened immediately, dark and alert despite having been asleep moments before. Through the bond, she felt his instant focus shift entirely to her, his awareness cataloging her physical state, her emotional wellbeing, and her every need before she could even voice them.
"Good morning," he murmured, his voice rough with sleep. His hand moved from her waist to her face, his thumb tracing her cheek with reverent gentleness. "How do you feel?"
"Sore," she admitted with a soft raspy voice.
"The healing will take care of the soreness within a few hours," he said, his thumb stroking her lower lip. "By tonight, you'll feel completely normal."
"Normal," she repeated with a teasing smile. "Is that what we're calling this?"
