Chapter 159: Quiet Storm

Elira

I woke slowly to the comforting sensation of warmth. It was not the burning heat of my recent fever, but something much softer and deeply familiar.

I felt the steady, low rhythm of his breath against my neck, and the anchor-like weight of his arm wrapped tight around my waist, holding me as if he feared I might simply dissolve if he let go.

For one fragile moment, I allowed myself to pretend the world had not utterly shattered around us. I imagined our son ...