Morning light filtered softly through the curtains.
Abigail stirred, her lashes fluttering open as she slowly became aware of the warmth wrapped around her. Strong arms. A steady heartbeat. She blinked, tilting her head up—and froze.
Edward was asleep beside her, his arms still securely around her. And to her surprise, she was holding him too.
Her breath caught.
She stared at his face, peaceful in sleep, and memories from the night before came rushing back. The fever. The tears. His voice telling her he wouldn’t leave. The way he held her like she mattered.
Her heart ached.
She remembered the island—how he came for her, like some knight out of a story. But she wasn’t a princess. Her parents had made sure she knew that. To them, she was a curse. A mistake.
And yet… here he was. Holdi
