Stolen Time

Morning light streamed in through the wide glass windows, spilling across the sheets in soft golden waves. Lyra stirred, blinking against the brightness, and found herself wrapped in Kaelen’s arms. His chest rose and fell beneath her cheek, steady and unyielding, like a heartbeat she could anchor herself to.

For a moment, she didn’t move. She simply let herself exist in the cocoon of his warmth,