[Isolde]
I woke to comfort.
Not the kind I'd known before, not the cold, empty spaces of my apartment or the thin mattress in the staff quarters. This was different; warm, solid and safe in a way I hadn't felt in years.
It took me a moment to realise the firm warmth against my cheek was someone's chest.
A soft snore rumbled above my head, and I became aware of arms wrapped around me with a grip so firm you'd think their owner was awake and determined not to let go.
I lifted my head carefully, blinking away the remnants of sleep, and found Nikolai's face inches from mine. His eyes were closed, his breathing deep but even, dark hair falling across his forehead in a way that made him look far less guarded and more... boyish.
We weren't underground anymore. The cold stone and iron bars h
