The next morning, the dim light of dawn crept into Asher's royal chamber, casting faint shadows across the dark walls.
The room was bathed in a quiet stillness, broken only by the soft rise and fall of Rowena's breath.
She lay beside him, her naked figure elegantly draped in a thick, warm sheet, her raven hair spilling over the pillow like a cascade of midnight silk.
Asher stirred, slowly sitting up in his king-sized bed, his gaze drifting toward the window.
The horizon glowed faintly with the promise of sunrise, a subtle crimson line marking the end of night. He turned, leaning over to look at Rowena, his eyes softening as he watched her sleep.
Her face, usually cold and guarded, was now peaceful and content. He gently tucked a strand of her dark hair behind her ear, revealing more of her bewitching features. In her slumber, she seemed almost otherworldly, her beauty even more striking when she was at rest.
