Elysia stirred slowly in the golden morning light, blinking against the warmth pressing close to her back.
Malvoria's strong arms were wrapped tightly around her, caging her with a sort of possessive gentleness that had become familiar over the last months.
The demon queen slept lightly, her breathing steady against Elysia's shoulder, but the moment Elysia moved to sit up, the hold around her waist tightened slightly.
She eased out a sigh. Her entire body ached—not the deep, sharp pain of battle, but the bone-deep fatigue of having given birth just hours before.
Every muscle protested, and her hips felt like they had been reassembled slightly off-kilter. But none of that mattered.
Because Kaelith was here.
And then her heart leapt in panic.
She turned her head sharply, searching for the cradle.
It was there—just a few feet from the bed, nestled in the warm corner by the window where sunlight filtered through lavender curtains.
