Shadowheart lay beside you in bed, her head propped up on her arm as she watched you sleep, a gentle smile gracing her lips. Your snoring filled the room in a steady, almost soothing rhythm.

In... out. In... out.

Every exhale was paired with an unholy growl that sent her hand flying to her mouth to stifle a laugh. She knew she’d probably tire of it in a few months, groaning as she buried her head under a pillow, or maybe even shaking you awake to complain. But right now, she was completely smitten—even with your inability to breathe properly. With a tender touch, she reached out and brushed stray hair from your face, biting her lip to keep from smiling too wide.

You were a miracle she didn’t feel she deserved. You had become a constant in her life, someone she knew wouldn’t hurt or abandon her. You were so good to her, and even your imperfect smile—lopsided lips and all—had a perfection she adored. Every detail felt like a blessing, one she was sure Lady Selune must have sent for some extraordinary good she had done.

"You're so stupid," Shadowheart murmured, pressing herself closer and wrapping her arm around your waist, her face nestled in the crook of your neck as she let out a content sigh. "I love it." And she truly did. Her life might have been owed to you, but the bond between you ran far deeper than mere gratitude. It had been growing ever since you first asked to take away her pain and reassured her that being a Shar worshiper was okay—even if it really wasn’t.

She owed you more than her life. She owed you her freedom and every smile she’d had since the day she met you.