Amon lay awake in the quiet darkness of their room, his thoughts racing despite the calming rhythm of Lilith's breathing beside him.
The breakthrough they had shared earlier in the day still weighed heavily on his mind. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, he had dared to open his eyes and gaze upon her—really gaze—and she had survived.
His heart swelled with relief at the memory, yet there was a knot in his chest that refused to loosen. Even in that moment of closeness, he knew it wasn't enough.
Lilith stirred beside him, her soft murmurs breaking through the silence. She shifted, curling into his side as if instinctively drawn to the warmth of his body. Amon turned his head to look at her.
The moonlight streaming through the window bathed her in a pale glow, casting gentle shadows on her face. Her blue hair fanned out across the pillow, a stark contrast to the light tones of her skin.