Chapter 30 - He Carries Her
Silas didn't move when he realized she had fallen asleep.
He felt it before he saw it.
The steady change in her breathing.
The way her head tilted slightly toward his shoulder.
The tension leaving her body all at once.
She trusted him enough to sleep.
That knowledge settled heavily in his chest.
Athena's face looked different like this.
Softer.
Younger.
Peaceful in a way he doubted she had ever been.
His wolf stirred quietly beneath his skin.
Not restless.
Not demanding.
Just... present.
Watching her the same way he was.
Silas stayed there longer than he meant to.
Listening to the wind move through the mountains.
Listening to her breathe.
Memorizing the way she looked in the moonlight.
Eventually, he shifted.
Carefully.
He slid one arm beneath her knees and the other behind her back.
She didn't wake when he lifted her.
She simply leaned into him instinctively, her hand curling lightly into the fabric of his shirt.
The small movement did something dangerous to his restraint.
He walked through the quiet corridors of the fortress with her in his arms.
No one stopped him.
No one questioned him.
A few people passed and simply lowered their heads in respect.
Because this, to them, was natural.
Expected.
Silas pushed open the door to her room gently with his foot and stepped inside.
The fire still burned low in the corner.
He crossed to the bed and lowered her onto the blankets with careful hands.
She shifted slightly, turning onto her side.
Still asleep.
Still calm.
Silas stood there longer than he should have.
Looking down at her.
His fingers moved before he could stop them.
He brushed a strand of dark hair away from her face.
Her brow relaxed further at the touch.
A quiet sound left her lips.
Content.
His chest tightened.
He stepped back slowly.
Forcing himself toward the door.
Because if he stayed any longer...
He wouldn't.