Morning Light

The first rays of sunlight streamed through the tall windows of Gabriel's bedroom, casting golden patterns across the stone walls. Ivy stirred beneath the heavy covers, her bare skin warm against the luxurious silk sheets. She blinked slowly, her body still humming with the memory of the night before.

It hadn't been like anything she'd imagined—it had been more. Gabriel's passion had been both fierce and tender, his restraint crumbling as he finally allowed himself to be vulnerable with her. She had seen the beast emerge in flickers: his claws extended, his eyes glowing a molten gold, his breaths coming in guttural growls. But she hadn't been afraid. Not even for a second.

Turning her head, Ivy's gaze fell on Gabriel, lying beside her, his body half-covered by the sheets. The broad expanse of his chest rose and fell steadily, his features softened in the morning light. His hair was tousled, a stark contrast to his usual carefully controlled demeanor, and Ivy couldn't help but smile.

For a moment, she simply watched him, her heart swelling with a quiet, overwhelming love. She had seen him at his most vulnerable, felt the depths of his torment, and still, here he was—hers. She reached out, her fingers brushing lightly against the scars that crossed his shoulder, remnants of battles she could only imagine.

Gabriel stirred at her touch, his eyes fluttering open. For a brief second, there was a flicker of uncertainty in his gaze, but it melted away as his eyes focused on her.

"Good morning," he said, his voice deep and husky from sleep.

"Good morning," she replied, her smile widening.

He shifted onto his side, propping his head up on his hand as he studied her. "You're still here," he said softly, almost as if he didn't believe it.

"Of course I am," she said, reaching up to trace the line of his jaw. "Did you think I wouldn't be?"

Gabriel sighed, his expression turning somber. "I wasn't sure. Last night… I wasn't sure if you'd wake up and see me as a monster after everything."

"I didn't see a monster, Gabriel," she said firmly, her fingers sliding to rest against his chest. "I saw you. Every part of you. And I loved all of it."

His eyes darkened, his hand coming up to cup her face. "You're remarkable, Ivy," he said, his thumb brushing over her cheek. "I don't know how I managed to deserve someone like you."

She laughed softly. "Maybe the curse didn't count on you meeting someone who's just as stubborn as you are."

He smirked, the faintest trace of amusement lighting his features. "Stubborn, brave, maddening…"

"And completely in love with you," she finished, leaning in to press a gentle kiss to his lips.

Gabriel's arms wrapped around her, pulling her closer. For a moment, they simply lay there, tangled together, the world outside forgotten. But as the silence stretched, a flicker of tension returned to his expression.

"What's wrong?" Ivy asked, sensing the shift.

Gabriel hesitated, his fingers absently tracing patterns along her spine. "Last night," he began, his voice low, "was something I never thought I'd have. Something I never thought I deserved."

"Gabriel—"

"No, let me finish," he said, his golden eyes locking onto hers. "You've given me more than I ever thought possible, Ivy. But there's still so much you don't know about me—about the curse, about what it means for us."

"I don't care about the curse," she said firmly, her fingers curling against his chest. "Whatever it is, we'll face it together."

His jaw tightened, and for a moment, she thought he might argue. But then he nodded, a trace of vulnerability softening his features. "Together," he agreed, though there was still a shadow of doubt in his eyes.

As they lay there, the morning sunlight bathing them in warmth, Ivy felt a renewed sense of determination. She didn't know what challenges lay ahead, but she knew one thing with certainty: she wasn't going anywhere.

For the first time in years, Gabriel allowed himself to hope. Ivy's love was a light he had never expected, and though the curse still loomed over them, for this moment, he felt almost free.

And as they held each other in the quiet of the morning, both of them knew that this was only the beginning of their journey together—one that would test them in ways neither could yet imagine.