Chapter 212

The night was deep as ink. The lights inside their home were out, and through the narrow gap in the floor‑to‑ceiling curtains, scattered city lights spilled softly into the room.

Elara lay on the bed, still wide awake, when she felt a weight settle behind her. Sebastian's clean, cool scent enveloped her as he wrapped his arms around her from behind.

"Can't sleep?"

She didn't turn around, speaking