Elara stirred, a soft sigh escaping her lips. The warmth that had enveloped her was slowly dissipating, replaced by a cool air that kissed her skin. Her eyes fluttered open, and the first thing she saw was Kaelen. His gaze was fixed on her, intense and unwavering, like a lifeline he couldn't afford to break. She could see a flicker of something akin to fear in his eyes, a primal worry that she might vanish like a dream.
"Kaelen?" she mumbled, her voice still thick with sleep.
A relieved smile touched his lips, chasing away the shadows in his eyes. "You're awake. I was beginning to worry you'd decided to make your dream your new home."
She chuckled softly, pushing herself up to sit on the bed. Kaelen was instantly there, his hands gentle as he helped her sit upright. He retrieved a plush
