After the warmth of Deniz and the bath, I stand before the mirror in the bedroom, working my tie into place with practiced fingers, preparing to face the world as Zyren Kael again.
The silk is cool and smooth beneath my fingers, a familiar morning ritual that feels strangely foreign today.
My reflection stares back at me—cheeks flushed for reasons that have nothing to do with temperature, eyes softer than I've ever seen them.
Then— warmth wraps around me from behind.
Two arms slide around my waist, pulling me back against a solid chest. I don't startle. I don't flinch.
Warm. Familiar. His.
A smile spreads across my lips before I can stop it, soft and helpless and happy.
In the mirror, Deniz appears behind me. His chin rests on my shoulder, dark eyes meeting mine in the glass. He's wearing just shorts and an oversized hoodie, his hair still tousled and damp, looking younger than I've ever seen him.
Softer. Unburdened.
Mine.
"Are you sure you can work today?"
