Chapter 173

SERAPHINA The morning light gently filtered through the silk curtains in our room, dancing in the air like golden flakes. I woke up before the sun had fully risen, my body still warm from Kaelos' embrace beside me. His breathing was calm, in a soothing rhythm—as if each inhale and exhale maintained the peace around us. I gazed at his face for a few seconds, allowing myself to enjoy the tranquility. There was no sound other than the birds chirping outside and his steady heartbeat beneath my ear. After all the storms we had weathered, mornings like this felt like a sacred gift from the Moon Goddess. Carefully, I got out of bed so as not to wake her. The cold marble floor touched my feet, but the morning air in Nightveil Mansion was warm and fresh, carrying the scent of rosemary from the garden below. I walked towards the nursery, holding my breath for a moment before opening the door. Alaric and Celine were still asleep in their twin cribs—two small figures with soft breaths and peaceful