Ashen was still lying in the same position, his chest rising and falling softly in deep sleep. The room was quiet, lit only by the faint glow of a candle flickering by the table.
Just then, the door creaked open and Ero stepped inside. "My Lord is being called…" he began, but Lumina quickly lifted a finger to her lips, silencing him. Her soft gesture was enough to make him freeze mid-sentence.
Ero's gaze fell on Ashen who was asleep, his head resting slightly on her chest. For a brief moment, he was shocked. Then a small, relieved smile touched his lips.
He had hated seeing the two of them distant these past few days, their silence sharp enough to cut through the entire castle. Now, seeing them close again filled him with relief.
He bowed and silently stepped back, closing the door behind him.
Moments later, Ashen stirred. His lashes fluttered, and he blinked awake, confusion flickering in his eyes. "Did I… just fall asleep?" he muttered, sitting up a little.
