Maximus

I woke before the sun did.

Rebecca was still asleep, her head resting against my chest, her breathing slow but uneven. Whatever dream had torn through her last night had not left easily.

Even now, I could see the faint crease between her brows, the way her fingers clutched at the blanket like she was still holding on to something she could not see.

I brushed my thumb along her cheek. Her skin was warm, but the bond between us thrummed with something restless. ...