Mara woke slowly, pulled gently from the depths of sleep by the warm caress of sunlight filtering softly through the drapes. She blinked lazily, reluctant to move, savoring the gentle weight of Elira's head nestled comfortably against her shoulder. The faint, rhythmic sound of Elira's breathing soothed her nerves, calming the perpetual storm of anxiety she always carried deep within her chest.
Carefully, Mara lifted one hand, letting her fingers trace the curve of Elira's cheek. Elira shifted slightly in her sleep, murmuring something unintelligible, her brow furrowing briefly before smoothing again under Mara's soft touch.
"You're adorable when you sleep," Mara whispered quietly, a small smile tugging gently at the corners of her mouth.
Elira's eyes fluttered open, catching the faint morning sunlight, glowing softly like honeyed amber. She gazed up at Mara, still heavy with sleep, a rare vulnerability flickering momentarily in her expression.
