Dawn broke and Kate woke up, with Bastien’s arms holding her tight against him, as if he feared losing her. Kate smiled and kissed his neck and chest. Bastien smiled and squeezed her closer.

—Good morning, princess. Did you sleep well?

—Yes, I love falling asleep and waking up in bed, wearing pajamas and no makeup.

—Magic —Bastien smiled, opening his amber eyes and stroking her cheek—. I haven’t slept in this bed since you left.

—Bastien…

—Tell me, how can I sleep here if you weren’t here? The few hours I slept, I did it in my office, with Shadow in my arms. He cried a lot these fifteen days… he missed you just like I did.

—My poor little troublemaker… so you two don’t hate each other anymore?

—No, we made peace amidst our pain of losing you —Kate hugged him—. Get dressed, we have something to do.

—Okay.

Kate and Bastien got dressed. Bastien took Kate to the dungeon. Damiano was bound there. Seeing Kate, he sneered.

—So you found your whore.

Bastien punched him in the face. The man wa