The next morning, Aurelia woke to the soft glow of candlelight still flickering in her chambers. The heavy velvet curtains kept the daylight at bay, but she could tell by the faint light seeping through the cracks that it was already late in the morning.
Her body ached in places she had never felt before, a reminder of the night before… of whispered promises, burning touches, and a connection she hadn't anticipated.
She turned her head slightly, her breath catching when she realized Hades was still there. He lay beside her, propped up on one elbow, watching her with awe in his eyes.
"Good morning, my darling." he murmured.
Aurelia felt her face heat, but she refused to let him see her flustered. "Morning," she said softly, her voice still heavy with sleep.
For a moment, neither of them spoke. The awkwardness of what had happened hung between them.
