The pale light of dawn crept through the edges of the curtains, painting soft streaks across the walls of Alaric's bedroom. Monday had finally arrived, and although his alarm hadn't rung yet, he was already awake, staring at the ceiling with a nervous energy and excitement coursing through him.
He turned his head to glance at the clock on the nightstand—4:45 AM. Still early, far too early, but sleep had eluded him since the first sound of birds echoed in the room.
Alaric pushed himself up, swinging his legs over the side of the bed. His heart felt lighter than it had in weeks and it was an unusual and almost foreign sensation for him. He stretched his arms above his head as his mind drifted to Selene. The memory of her gentle touch, the soft lilt of her voice, and the awe he felt when he
