Lyra's POV
Kael had just set the empty bowl back on the tray when I reached out, my fingers brushing his hand. He stilled, his gaze meeting mine, questioning but calm.
"Thank you," I said softly, my voice barely above a whisper.
He tilted his head, a small smile tugging at his lips.
"You don't have to thank me for taking care of you."
"But I want to," I replied, shifting closer to him on the bed. My heart raced, but it wasn't fear this time. It was something else—something warmer, deeper.
His brows furrowed slightly, the way they always did when he was unsure of something.
"Lyra…" he started, but I didn't let him finish.
I leaned in, my lips brushing against his. It was soft, tentative. Kael froze for a moment, and I almost pulled back, doubting myself. But then his hand came up, cradling the back of my head, and he kissed me back.
This time, it wasn't tentative.
