“Sophia POV”

The first thing I noticed was his breath.

coming in shallow, uneven, but warmer than before, lifting against my cheek where I’d fallen asleep, curled into his side like a shield.

I jolted upright, my heart punching hard against my ribs.

Lucian’s lashes fluttered. His lips parted, dry and cracked, with a faint groan slipping through it. Then his eyes opened, a slow, painful drag that sent a rush of relief surging so fast my chest ached.

His storm-gray eyes, which had once ...