Azriel's Point Of View
I woke up just before seven in the morning.
The morning light barely peeked through the edges of the heavy velvet curtains, casting a soft, blue hue across the master bedroom. I stayed completely still, my eyes focusing on the girl sleeping on my chest. She was snuggled deep into my side, her small hand clutching the front of my shirt like a safety blanket, tiny, soft snores escaping her parted lips.
There was something about the sight of her like this… unguarded, trusting, utterly at peace, that settled something restless in my chest, a feeling I hadn't quite learned to name yet.
Men like me weren't supposed to feel things like this. And yet here I was, memorizing the rhythm of her breathing like it mattered more than my next mission briefing.
I couldn't help it. A genuine smile touched my face, the kind I rarely let anyone see. I leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to her warm lips.
