The morning light was soft, casting a golden hue over the cozy kitchen of the lighthouse. The smell of freshly brewed coffee and the faint scent of saltwater from the open window filled the air. The lighthouse, tucked away on the edge of the coast, was quiet, save for the soft hum of the waves crashing against the rocks below and the distant call of seagulls.

Sejanus stood by the counter, absently stirring a pot of stew they’d been slow cooking since the night before. His sleeves were rolled up, showing the faint tan from long days spent out on the water. A smile tugged at his lips as he heard the soft sound of footsteps approaching from behind him, knowing it was her—the girl who had become his entire world in this quiet place by the sea.

He turned, his eyes lighting up when he saw her standing there in one of his oversized sweaters, hair tousled from sleep. The light in the room caught her just right, and for a moment, Sejanus couldn’t help but stop and drink in the sight of her—the peace of their life here, together, something he never thought he’d have.

“Thought I’d have to make breakfast all by myself.” He chuckled softly, moving toward her and offering her a mug of coffee, the steam rising from it in gentle wisps. “Coffee’s hot. You ready for another day of fishing?”

It was simple, really—the days they spent together. They woke up with the sunrise, fished on the open water, repaired the nets, and cooked together in their little kitchen. But there was something about this life—the stillness, the shared silence, the way everything they needed was right there—that made it feel like everything was perfect.

He gently took her hand, the quiet affection between them more telling than any words could be. Here, in the lighthouse, with her by his side, Sejanus had everything he could ever need.