I’ve never slept so soundly in my life. Her scent soothed both Lucas and me, grounding something inside me I didn’t even realise had been restless. My eyes slowly pry open as sunlight spills across the room, warm and blinding. I feel soft, steady breathing against my neck, and when I glance down, I realise we’re completely tangled together. Freya’s head rests on my chest, her body tucked into mine like she belongs there, and my arms are wrapped securely around her without me even remembering doing it. I stay still for a moment, just taking her in. She’s stunning. Even like this—peaceful, vulnerable. My eyes trace over her slowly, and the sight of fading bruises and healing welts makes something dark twist in my chest. She’s too thin as well. The doctor wasn’t wrong—malnourished, dehydrated
