The bedroom was quiet except for the soft crackle of the hearth and the occasional sigh of wind against the tall arched windows.
The bed was enormous—wide enough for the entire harem to sprawl across without ever touching, yet tonight every inch of it was occupied.
Lysandra, Luna, Selvara, Serica, Vaara, Aethoniel, Xylendra, Valeforia, Zerra, Vegia, Venya, Edda, Thristle, Nyxion and Arisha were all there—curled on their sides, backs turned, breathing slow and even, pretending to sleep.
Some were better actors than others. Luna's tail occasionally flicked. Thristle's smirk never fully disappeared. Edda's fingers twitched against the sheets like she was still kneading dough in her dreams.
In the very center, Aiden hovered above Nayla on braced forearms, knees bracketing her wide hips.
She wore a milky white nightgown tonight—thin silk that clung like liquid.
