Morning crept in gently through the dancing curtains, stirred by the breeze. Soft sunlight slipped through, illuminating tiny dust particles drifting like shards of light. I opened my eyes slowly, and the first thing I saw… was Celestine's sleeping face beside me.
Her expression was peaceful, far from the cold or stern demeanor she usually wore on the battlefield. No anger and no tension. Just… a hidden tenderness I'd never seen before.
Her silver hair was messy, with strands stuck to her cheek. Her breathing was steady, warm against the arm she rested on.
I exhaled quietly. Last night… after she cried in my arms, I brought her to her room. But when I tried to lay her on the bed, she wouldn't let go of my shirt—even in her sleep. So I gave in, sat on the edge of the bed, and let her rest against my chest… until I too fell asleep with her, in a silence that felt... peaceful.
I looked down at her.
Was I too close?
