The following day arrived without incident.
Aria was the first to wake up.
She remained still for a moment, just lying there with her cheek against Jake's chest, listening to his strong, steady heartbeat.
Strangely, she didn't want to get up… as this was the best sleep she had ever had.
Her body felt light, and the dull heaviness from the poison had vanished.
Her limbs no longer felt sluggish.
Even her breathing felt cleaner, as if something inside her had been straightened out while she dreamed.
Yet, despite her reluctance, Aria understood she needed to rise.
She blinked slowly, looking up to see Jake still asleep, an arm around her back, his face more relaxed than she'd ever witnessed.
Aria's ears turned red, yet she stared at him so intently without blinking, with that same serious face.
But at that moment, Jake spoke.
His eyes remained closed as a small, lazy, and knowing smile appeared on his face.
"Morning, Aria."
