The early morning light filtered softly through the curtains, casting a warm glow across the room. Runaan stirred, his sharp senses waking him before the sun fully rose. He turned his head, his gaze settling on Ethari, who was still peacefully asleep beside him.

Ethari’s silver hair spilled across the pillow, his expression soft and serene in slumber. Runaan reached out hesitantly, his calloused fingers brushing against Ethari’s cheek. The man he loved looked so unguarded in this moment, free from the burdens they both carried.

Runaan allowed himself a rare smile as he propped himself up on one elbow, watching the rise and fall of Ethari’s chest. For a moment, the weight of their world seemed far away, and all that mattered was the quiet comfort of this shared space.

Runaan leaned down, pressing a feather-light kiss to Ethari’s temple before settling back. If only mornings like this could last forever.