LYRA POV
I shifted slightly, wincing at the dull throb that traveled from my ribs up to my shoulder. Hunter stirred in his sleep, mumbling something incoherent before settling again, his head heavy against my hip.
A small smile tugged at my lips.
Stubborn. Loyal. Mine.
Even if we hadn't sealed anything yet, even if the bond between us still pulsed raw and new, I knew it deep inside my bones—he was mine.
I let my gaze trace his face, memorizing the way his dark lashes brushed his cheekbones, the way his hand still loosely held mine as if even unconscious he refused to let go.
The monitors beeped softly in the background, a steady, mechanical lullaby.
It was strange how peaceful the world seemed now, after the storm of last night.
I closed my eyes for a second, inhaling deeply.
