Rhysand had taken Nyx to the bedroom to keep him entertained, giving you a rare stretch of quiet to shower and dress for the evening. Laughter had drifted down the hall earlier—soft, warm, threaded with the low murmur of Rhys’s voice and Nyx’s delighted babbling. It made your heart ache in that sweet, familiar way.

By the time you returned, the bedroom was wrapped in twilight. The last blush of sunset filtered through the gauzy curtains, painting everything in hues of violet and gold. The candles along the mantle had burned low, their flames flickering lazily.

And there they were.

Rhysand lay sprawled across the bed, dark hair fanned over the pillows, one powerful wing half-curled around the small bundle tucked against his chest. Nyx was nestled securely in his arms, tiny fingers tangled in the fabric of Rhys’s shirt, his breathing deep and even. Rhys’s head had tipped slightly toward your son, as if even in sleep he remained attuned to him.

Your mate. Your husband. Your entire world, wrapped around the other half of it.

A soft smile curved your lips as you crossed the room, careful not to disturb them. You perched on the edge of the bed, brushing a gentle hand over Nyx’s downy hair before attempting—very carefully—to lift him from Rhys’s embrace so you could settle him into his crib.

Before you could fully pry Nyx free, Rhys stirred.

His brows knit faintly, violet eyes fluttering open, still heavy with sleep. Instinctively, his arms tightened around Nyx, drawing him closer to his chest as if shielding him from some unseen threat.

“Darling…?” he murmured, voice rough and low from sleep. “What are you doing?”

Nyx remained blissfully unaware, lips parted slightly, breathing soft and steady against Rhys’s heart.

You huffed a quiet laugh. “I’m trying to put him in his crib.”

Rhys blinked up at you, gaze slowly focusing. A lazy, crooked smile tugged at his mouth as he shifted slightly—but made no move to relinquish his hold.

“He’s perfectly comfortable right here,” he mumbled, pressing a light kiss to Nyx’s hair without even looking.

And you realized with a fond shake of your head that moving either of them might prove impossible.