EMMA'S POV
Emma woke before dawn, the city still suspended in that quiet, in-between state where night had not fully released its grip and morning had not yet claimed dominion. The sky beyond the wide bedroom windows was washed in muted indigo, streaked faintly with the promise of light. For several long seconds, she remained perfectly still, allowing herself to exist in that fragile space between sleep and waking, where thought had not yet sharpened into worry or obligation.
Beside her, Damian slept.
The realization settled warmly in her chest, steady and grounding. She turned her head slightly, careful not to disturb him, and studied the strong lines of his face softened by rest. Sleep stripped him of the armor he wore so naturally in the waking world. No command in his posture. No tension in his jaw. Just a man at peace, breathing slow and even, utterly unaware of how closely she was watching him.
