Alera’s POV
The warmth was the first thing I noticed. It wrapped around me, unfamiliar yet oddly comforting. My body was heavy with exhaustion, but something felt… different.
My lashes fluttered open, adjusting to the dim morning light seeping through the curtains. That’s when I realized it I wasn’t alone.
A strong arm was draped over my waist, securing me in place. My breath hitched, and my pulse quickened. I stiffened slightly, my mind racing. Had I really fallen asleep beside him?
A deep inhale rumbled against my back, and I froze. Slowly, I turned my head.
The Lycan King was awake.
His golden eyes were already watching me, unreadable and intense. His face was impassive, but there was something different about his gaze this morning. Something quieter.
Neither of us spoke at first
