Chapter Sixty-Seven

The next morning, I woke up wrapped in Aiden's arms. It was the most peaceful sleep I'd had in ages. The memory of the night before - the soft press of his lips, the heat of his body against mine - brought a blush to my cheeks. It was strangely refreshing, a much-needed respite from the constant stress and uncertainty. For the first time in a long while, I felt a glimmer of hope.

I traced the line of his lips with my finger, causing him to stir. He groaned, his eyes fluttering open. "What are you up so early for?" he mumbled, his voice thick with sleep.

"How do you know it's early?" I asked, amused. There was no clock in sight, no way for him to tell the time.

Aiden pulled me closer. “It’s always too early to get out of bed with you.”

I giggled, enjoying his embrace. “We need to get up,” I said, my breath hitting his chest.

“No, let’s sleep,” he replied, a teasing whine in his voice, and his eyes closed.

“I’m not sleepy,” I replied, patting him on the shoulder.