Morning arrived softly, the way it used to before everything shattered. Pale gold light spilled through the cracked stone windows of Liora's chamber, warming the edges of the bed, warming her skin, warming the air between her and Gonzalo.
She woke before she moved.
Before her eyes opened, she felt him… not touching her, not crowding her, but sitting against the bedpost with his arms crossed and his head tilted down like he'd stayed awake all night watching over her.
Just like he always used to.
He sensed her stir. His eyes lifted.
"Morning," he murmured, voice warm in a way she hadn't heard in years.
Liora blinked, confused at first, confused at how her chest felt lighter, confused at why she didn't want to push him away, confused at why waking up with him in her space didn't feel like a threat.
It felt… safe.
She hated that it felt safe.
She pushed herself up. "You didn't have to stay."
"That wasn't the question," he replied simply.
She frowned. "What question?"
