Aurelia's POV
Sunlight filtered through the cave entrance as consciousness slowly returned to me. I was warm, protected, wrapped in strong arms that held me like I was something precious. For a moment, I let myself enjoy the feeling of safety before reality crashed back.
Leon's arms. I was in Leon Kane's arms.
The memories of the night before flooded back—the storm, the desperate cold, the way we'd found warmth in each other. Heat flooded my cheeks as I remembered every touch, every whispered word.
"Good morning, beautiful," Leon's voice was rough with sleep, his breath warm against my ear.
The endearment sent an unwanted flutter through my stomach.
"Don't," I said quietly, not moving from his embrace despite my words. "Don't call me that."
"Why not?" His fingers traced lazy patt
