Chapter 42: Shadows in the Morning

Shadows in the Morning

Aria exhaled slowly, pushing the warmth of the night from her mind.

The moment between her and Alexander had passed, but its weight still lingered in the air, wrapping around her like an invisible thread. She could still feel the ghost of his touch, the way his golden eyes had held hers, as if daring her to admit what she already knew.

But now, morning had come, and reality had returned with it.

She swung her legs over the side of the bed and stood, stretching the stiffness from her muscles. Alexander watched her silently, his gaze unreadable.

"You should eat something before we meet Elias," he finally said.

Aria hesitated, sensing the shift in his tone. Last night, he'd let her see a softer side—one laced with warmth and quiet intensity. But now, he was slipping back into his role as Alpha, his voice edged with command.

She nodded, deciding not to push.