Chapter 18: Chains of Dawnmere
Chapter Title: "Whispers of Departure"
The morning sun spilled gently into the room, casting golden light over soft fabrics and tangled blankets. The silence was comforting, warm, broken only by the low hum of distant wind brushing against the curtains. In the quiet stillness of this brief peace, Caelen lay half-awake, his silver hair tousled across the pillow, his bare chest rising and falling with a slow breath. Reina was beside him, curled against his side, the warmth between them lingering even as morning crept in.
The door creaked open softly.
Veralia stepped inside, her long cloak flowing behind her like a shadow, and her eyes landed on the bed. Her voice came out light, composed, but her face instantly turned red.
"Good morning."
Caelen opened his eyes slowly, blinking at the light. Reina stirred, stretched lazily, and stood—completely unclothed. With effortless grace, she leaned over and kissed Caelen’s lips.
"Morning," she whispered, not even glancing at Veralia as she walked off to the bathroom.
Veralia stood frozen, trying to act like she wasn’t flustered, but her cheeks betrayed her. She moved silently toward the window to distract herself, drawing the curtains back and letting the sunlight bathe the room in amber.
Caelen sat up, still nude, and walked toward her. Veralia, still flustered, didn’t flinch. She simply adjusted the bed covers in silence.
Caelen reached out, gently wrapping his arms around her from behind. "You’re quiet this morning," he whispered into her ear. "Is something wrong?"
"I’ll bring your clothes... so you can change," Veralia replied quickly, her voice just above a whisper.