Dawn broke, casting a warm glow across the prince and his beast as they cuddled in the wooden bower.
The prince curled up more tightly against the enormous black wolf, burying his face in the plush coat. His fine silks were rumpled and his crown sparkled beside the nest of cushions and blankets in which they curled.
The wolf yawned and stretched, paws kicking as he rolled. As he did, he shrank and shifted, fur giving away to smooth skin and coarse clothes.
He blinked in the morning light and smiled as the prince pressed his nose against the skin of his throat.
‘I’m glad neither of us are morning people,’ he murmured, and went back to sleep.
—