Morning arrived slowly.

I woke up before the sun had finished rising, although I could have sworn I hadn't slept a single moment.

Aldric's arm was still around my waist. It was heavy, possessive, and warm. My small, slender body remained pressed against his, both of us hidden under the blankets.

For a long moment I remained motionless, listening to the steady rhythm of her breathing behind me. The events of the previous night returned to my mind in fragments.

Seraphiel's promise.

Aldric's fury.