Runze's POV
The room is still dim, the thick velvet curtains drawn tight against the morning sun. Only a sliver of pale golden light traces the bottom edge of the fabric, barely reaching the carpet.
My head rests against Bael's chest, rising and falling with his breathing. His arm lies draped over my waist, his hand resting against my back.
I turn my head slightly against his chest to look at him.
In the faint shadow, his features look soft, the usual sharp focus gone while he slumbers. A few dark strands of hair rest across his forehead. I reach up slowly, brushing the hair back from his brow before my fingertips lightly trace the clean line of his jaw.
Bael stirs, his eyes opening slowly. The moment he sees me, his arm tightens, pulling me slightly higher against him until my chin rests against his shoulder.
