I woke feeling more tired than when I’d fallen asleep. Every muscle in my body ached, my limbs heavy as if I’d run miles without stopping. The steady rise and fall of Dominic’s chest beneath me was the only thing grounding me, its rhythm lulling me into a fragile sense of peace.
As I shifted, his arms tightened around me, pulling me closer without waking. His warmth was a balm against the lingering chill of the cave, and his scent wrapped around me like a cocoon. Morning light streamed in through the entrance, golden and soft, but it felt too bright for my tired eyes. I buried my face into Dominic’s chest, seeking shelter from the unwelcome glow, and let myself drift again.
The next time I woke, it wasn’t the light that stirred me—it was voices. Low and steady, like a distant hum I wasn’
