Dravina POV

Morning arrived quietly, and when I opened my eyes, I was alone.

The space beside me in the bed was already cold Malrikarion was gone.

It felt... strange. Uncharacteristic of him to leave without a word. But then again, we were still learning each other’s rhythms, still adjusting to the fragile balance of sharing the same space. Perhaps there would be mornings like this where duty called him before I ever stirred.

Even so, without his warmth beside me, the room felt emptier. ...