(Winter’s POV)
The food was simple, bland enough that it didn’t fight her stomach as she ate. Winter sat upright against the pillows, moving slowly, deliberately, every motion controlled as she adjusted to being awake again. The lingering ache in her side reminded her not to rush, while the dull edge of the headache still pressed faintly behind her eyes. It wasn’t debilitating anymore—just present, like everything else.
Frost remained quiet, but not absent. Steady. Watching.
You’re being cautious, Frost observed.
I’m being smart, Winter replied, taking another small bite before setting the utensil down. There’s a difference.
Frost huffed faintly, but didn’t argue.
The door opened and Winter’s attention shifted immediately, her posture straightening just slightly as a man stepped insi
