Hades
Rays of sunlight, filtered through the curtains blinding my eyes. I squinted my eyes before it eventually got used to the brightness.
Then I turned to the warm body beside me and smiled. Iris was sleeping against me, her head resting on my chest, one arm draped across my waist. Her dark hair spilled over the pillow, and the blanket covered her to the shoulders.
I watched her in the morning light. She looked so peaceful, untroubled and beautiful.
I had seen Iris covered in blood and trembling with fear but this version of her was my favorite.
The memory of the previous night returned, bringing a slow smile to my face. We had spent hours together, rediscovering each other. For once, I hadn't been the Alpha, I had simply been hers.
I brushed a strand of hair away from her face. She stirred, making a small sound before leaning closer to me. My smile widened.
"Mine," I whispered. She didn't wake.
I lowered my gaze to her neck. There, at her neck, was the mark of our bond.
