A Court of Stars and Memories

61. The Truth Shared

    Mitsi woke to cool sunlight streaming through the bedroom windows. She squinted and rubbed her eyes wearily, then let out a relaxed sigh. She hadn't dreamed at all last night, although it appeared she had rolled over at some point.

    She was no longer curled against Lysander's back, but he was pressed against hers. His arms were wrapped around her waist and one of his wings stretched over her and off the side of the bed. His warm breath brushed across her neck, drawing a smile onto her lips.

    She couldn't believe everything that had happened just last night. She hadn't expected any of this when she came over to check on him. Mitsi frowned as another thought occurred to her.

    I hope Mina and Micah aren't worried about me. I told Micah I'd be home last night, and I was supposed to let Nyx, Venelia, and Corbin know how Lys was doing.

    But surely they won't mind. Micah saw me here safely and hopefully he and Mina just assumed I stayed with Lysander. Although, that could cause just as many problems as them thinking I was kidnapped on the way home or something.

    Mitsi pushed the thoughts aside and rolled over, facing Lysander. I won't think about that right now. I'll figure out how to explain everything when I go home later. She smiled, lightly combing her fingers through Lysander's ash-brown hair. With her other hand, she began to trace the delicate lines on one of his tattooed arms.

    Her chest tightened with affection when she noticed the corners of his mouth lift. His shoulders rose and fell as he drew a deep breath, though he wasn't entirely awake yet. Mitsi's own smile grew. How was it that she felt so different this morning, and yet so normal? Nothing had changed, and yet, everything had. She felt...complete.

    She tentatively reached for the shining thread within her chest. It seemed to be glowing brighter than it had yesterday, and she thought she could make out a familiar presence lingering at the other end of it.

    Mitsi touched the tether and blinked in surprise when there was an answering tug. Lysander opened his eyes with a sniff and swiped his knuckles across his nose.

    "Morning," he mumbled, voice still scratchy with drowsiness.

    "Good morning," Mitsi answered. "How are you feeling today?" Lysander smiled as she pushed herself up on an elbow and pressed a kiss to his temple.

    Lysander tightened his arms around her and she couldn't smother her gasp as he twisted onto his back, dragging her on top of him in the process. Mitsi giggled and attempted to push loose hair back behind her ears. "Honestly, I feel perfect," Lysander replied. He tucked a finger beneath her chin and kissed her softly. "You?"

    "Likewise." She cocked her head when Lysander just sighed, watching her with a gentle smile. There was a different light reflecting in his hazel eyes this morning. One she'd never seen before. "What is it?" Mitsi urged.

    "Nothing. I just..." Lysander broke off, rubbing his sternum with one hand. A moment later, there came another tug across that thread within her. Mitsi returned it and felt Lysander's heart skip a beat. "I love you," he whispered, cupping her cheek in his palm.

    Mitsi smiled and kissed the heel of it. "I love you too. But I think I'll have to go soon. Mina and Micah expected me back last night and I'm worried they'll think I've been kidnapped or something."

    This time, Lysander's sigh sounded faintly annoyed. "I suppose I'd better let Nyx and Corbin know I'm not dead."

    "Yes, they were very worried about you. They're the reason I came to check on you in the first place." Mitsi bit her lip. "You never did tell me what specifically caused your breakdown."