KAIA'S POV
I must have dozed off at some point.
The steady tick of the clock, the constant howling outside, and the quiet rhythm of Leander’s breathing all blended together into something soft and lulling. My body was already worn thin from the day’s events, every muscle heavy and aching. It shouldn’t be a surprise that I’d pass out without even realizing it—but somehow it still felt strange.
My head had been resting against the edge of the mattress, my arm stretched toward him and my fingers curled loosely around his hand. I didn’t want to let go—not even for sleep. That contact between us felt like an anchor, a tether I couldn’t afford to lose.
His warmth seeped into me, and it felt reassuring, making me far too comfortable for the reality of what was happening beyond these walls. My
