A Deliberate Embrace

Lyra noticed it the moment Kaelen stepped onto the deck—subtle, but there.

There was exhaustion in his eyes, a rawness edging his usually pristine appearance. His jaw bore the beginnings of a beard, his hair slightly longer, like he hadn’t had the time—or will—to shave for days…

But somehow… it didn’t make him look worn.

It made him look more dangerous.

More masculine.

Mor