Kael's POV
Elara stirs in her sleep, a small frown creasing her brow. Her eyes flutter open, unfocused at first, then sharpening as reality sinks in. She stares up at me from my lap, taking in our position.
I expect her to scramble away, to put distance between us like she has done all day. Instead, she just sighs and closes her eyes again.
“Why are you growling?” Her voice is thick with sleep and irritation. “You’re bothering me.”
I didn’t realize I was growling, but now I feel the low rumble in my chest. My lips twitch despite my dark thoughts. Even half-asleep, she’s giving me attitude.
“What do you want, Elara?”
“I want you to let me sleep and stop being annoying.”
The word “annoying” hits me like a spark to dry kindling. Before I can stop myself, my hand tangles in her hair, gr
