The frantic energy of the night had finally subsided, replaced by the profound, deep stillness of the forest just before dawn.
Xuan Long woke up slowly. The burning heat that had consumed him was gone, replaced by a comfortable, soothing warmth that emanated from his core. The first thing he registered was the soft, familiar scent of his female.
He looked down. Su Qinglan was curled tightly against his side, clinging to his arm like a lifeline. She was sleeping soundly, completely exhausted, yet breathtakingly beautiful in the pale, cool morning light that filtered into the cave.
Her lips were slightly parted, and her breath came in soft, regular puffs. Her chest rose and fell gently with each breath. She looked utterly exhausted and asleep, without any care in the world.
A wave of warmth, deeper and more profound than the mating fever, flooded Xuan Long's chest.
