Raelynn's eyes fluttered open, her vision still hazy with sleep. She let out a slow breath, adjusting to the quiet stillness, when her gaze drifted toward the foot of the bed—and her heart nearly leaped out of her chest.
Elion was sitting there.
Her sharp gasp broke the silence. She instinctively pulled the blanket closer to her chest, eyes wide with shock. He was sitting on the edge of her bed, his arms resting loosely on his thighs, his head slightly tilted downward with his eyes closed. It wasn't clear if he was asleep or just resting, but the sight of him—so close, so unexpected—sent her pulse racing.
At the sound of her gasp, Elion's eyelids lifted lazily, as if waking from a light doze. His gaze met hers instantly, and instead of looking surprised or guilty for being in her room without permission, he only offered a soft, lazy smile.
"Morning," he greeted, his voice husky from sleep.
