Chapter 105: Preparing the Mantle

Conor woke early, the soft light of dawn filtering through the heavy curtains of Kerrigan’s room. For a moment, he simply lay there, savoring the quiet comfort of holding her close. Her breathing was slow and steady, her face relaxed in peaceful sleep.

He brushed a stray lock of hair from her cheek, feeling the warmth of her skin, and for a time, he allowed himself this small moment of peace.

But the moment was fleeting. The weight of their situation pressed against his chest, reminding him of the responsibilities that waited beyond the safety of this room. He carefully slipped his arm from under Kerrigan and eased out of bed, trying not to disturb her.

She mumbled something softly in her sleep, but did not wake, and Conor couldn’t help but smile. Even now, she was the strongest person he knew.

He dressed quickly, pulling on the spare clothes that had been laid out for him—a simple shirt and trousers that were serviceable but hardly befitting the man who would soon be claiming his moth