*Gwen’s POV*

That night, after returning downstairs to help Amber tend to the others and get them to their respective bedrooms, we crashed. We were both exhausted—me, from giving so much blood, and Darick, from battle.

When I woke the next day, I saw Darick already awake, staring at me.

"Good morning, beautiful."

He leaned forward and kissed my forehead. I smiled scooting closer to ...