Liam opened his eyes to darkness, his internal clock alerting him it was well past midnight. Beside him, Isabella slept peacefully, her breathing deep and even. Her features were softened in sleep, vulnerability replacing the sharp confidence she wore during waking hours.
He watched her for a moment, a complex mix of emotions churning inside him. The weight of Seraphina's demands pressed down on him, but there was something else too—a desire to shield Isabella from harm.
'Focus. You have a job to do. This is for her own protection, even if she doesn't know it yet.'
With practiced stealth, Liam slipped from beneath the covers. The cool marble floor sent a slight shiver up his spine as he stood, listening for any change in Isabella's breathing. She stirred slightly, turning onto her side, but didn't wake.
