Chapter 136 One Week Later

• A week passed like a slow, golden dream.
• There were no phones ringing. No maps on the wall with red marks and string. No weapons tucked under pillows or codes murmured in the dark. Just sand, wind, laughter, and each other. The quiet had once scared her. Now, Ellerei craved it.
• She woke slowly that morning, tangled in cotton sheets that still smelled like salt and skin. Knox's arm was around her waist, strong and firm, holding her close. He was spooned behind her, bare chest pressed to her back, breath warm against her neck.