The world fell silent in that rare, silver lull between night and dawn, when the stars remained visible but the sky softened into violet and gold hues. A faint glow crept through the heavy curtains, creating lines of early morning light across the bed.
Gabriel stirred first.
His body ached in familiar ways, the kind that had him sinking deeper into the sheets for a moment longer, eyes closed, lips parted in a lazy breath. Everything smelled like heat and skin, with faint hints of cedarwood from Damian.
He blinked slowly, adjusting to the pale light in the room. The fire had long died out, leaving the room cooler, quieter. At some point, a thick, warm blanket was pulled over him. He didn't remember when they'd made it to the bed.
Damian lay beside him, one arm stretched carelessly across the mattress, the other curled loosely under the pillow. He was completely still, save for the subtle rise and fall of his chest. Peaceful.
