The hours passed in quiet stillness.
Julian sat with his back against the wall, Emma's hand still clasped in his, her slow, steady breathing a comforting rhythm in the darkness. Fey remained motionless near the window, though he could tell she wasn't truly asleep—her body was too tense, too ready to move at the first sign of danger. Zoe slept deeply, her usual vigilance finally surrendering to exhaustion. And Dori... Dori's color had improved, the pallor of overexertion fading to something closer to her natural gentle warmth.
He watched them all, his gaze moving from one to another in an endless cycle of protection and appreciation.
The night deepened. The ruins remained quiet.
Sometime before dawn, Emma stirred. Her eyes fluttered open, finding Julian in the dim light. A sleepy smile curved her lips.
"You're still here."
"I haven't moved."
"Good." She tugged at his hand, pulling him down toward the mattress. "Come here. Rest a little. I'll watch for a while."
