Chapter 496 - Morning and Next Phase (1)

Lyan woke slowly to the faint glow of dawn filtering through the heavy canvas of the command tent. The first thing he noticed was warmth—a half-sleeping weight draped over one shoulder, another nestled against his hip, the faint tickle of stray hair across his throat. Lavender, pine resin, and a hint of last night's camp-fire smoke mingled in the hush. He let the moment sit, heart beating in time with the soft breaths surrounding him.