---
He closed his eyes, letting plans for tomorrow settle like iron dust, boar-built battlements, Shadeclaw's scouting route, Blueloom's pollen traps, the calibration of star-milk distilleries. Yet over all of it lay the steady, newfound warmth of Luna's presence and Miryam's fragile dreams.
For the first time since awakening in this brutal world, Kai slept without keeping one eye open.
An hour had passed since the cavern quieted. Shadeclaw stood watch below. The mountain slumbered in peace. But within the nest of furs, Luna stirred. She couldn't sleep. Especially when Kai was hugging her.
Her eyelashes fluttered, body restless. A slow heat was swelling below her belly, a fire, thick and pulsing. It was different from battle adrenaline. Wilder. Needier. She inhaled sharply. The scent of Kai lingered close, his warmth beside her. His raw, masculine, and potent body.
