The morning sun filtered through the heavy velvet curtains of Tay's chambers, casting a soft, golden light that slowly brightened the dark room. Tay awoke to the familiar warmth of Maya nestled against him. But today, something was different. Her usually serene face was marred by faint lines of exhaustion, her eyelids darkened with the remnants of a sleepless night. She looked so fragile, a stark contrast to the fiery spirit he had come to love.
Frowning, Tay gently brushed a stray lock of hair from her forehead. The night before, they had returned from an emotionally charged visit to her family, and he knew the confrontation had taken its toll on her. Her defenses had been up the entire time, her heart torn between her loyalty to him and the bonds she shared with her family.
Maya stirr
