Chapter 134: Eavesdropping
>>Aelin
I awoke slowly to the sound of soft breathing.
Warmth pressed against my back—solid, steady, familiar. For a moment, I lay still, not moving, my thoughts floating somewhere between dreams and reality. The morning light peeked through the long, sheer curtains, painting golden lines across the floor and casting a soft glow over the room.
Draegon’s arm was draped around my waist, his hand resting gently just below my ribs. The weight of it was grounding. Comforting. And the way his body curled just slightly around mine made something inside me settle.
It wasn’t the first morning I’d woken up beside him—but it felt different somehow. Less tense. Less uncertain. Like a quiet understanding had bloomed between us, one neither of us dared to speak aloud yet.
I tilted my head slightly and peeked over my shoulder.
Draegon’s face was inches from mine, his dark lashes still resting against his cheeks. His lips were parted slightly, the rhythm of his breathing slow and calm. He looked... peaceful. Younger, even.
I smiled, small and to myself.
Carefully, I turned in his arms so I could face him, trying not to disturb the moment. But his eyes fluttered open just as I did, catching me mid-turn. His gaze met mine, warm and slightly hazy from sleep.
"Good Morning," I whispered.
He blinked once, then offered a soft, lopsided smile. "Morning."
His voice was lower, rough from sleep, and it sent an unexpected shiver down my spine.