The ambient glow of the Obsidian Sanctum's ethereal lighting shifted to its softer morning hue, and Samantha's eyes snapped open with the jarring awareness of someone who had lived this moment before. But this time, the crushing weight of solitary knowledge settled on her chest like a physical presence.
She was alone in her memories.
The realization hit her with devastating clarity as she felt Marcus stir behind her, his arm tightening around her waist in the same unconscious gesture of affection, but without the recognition that should have been there. His breathing was peaceful, untroubled by the nightmare knowledge of Council members materializing in their kitchen with death in their ancient eyes.
"Good morning, beautiful," Marcus murmured against her neck, his voice carrying that particular gravelly quality of morning rest, exactly as before.
