Chapter 48
Gabriella’s POV
Warmth.
That was the first thing I felt.
Not the icy echo of Ava’s realm.
Not the crushing weight of the Devourer’s presence.
Just… warmth.
Something soft pressed against my cheek, and fingers brushed my hair back gently. A slow, careful touch, like whoever was doing it was terrified I’d break.
My eyes fluttered open.
The world sharpened into focus—the Alphas’ private suite. The room was dim, lit only by lanterns glowing like fireflies. Heavy curtains were drawn. The blankets were thick. And I was wrapped in them, tucked carefully in the center of their enormous bed.
Tristan sat beside me.
His head was bowed, elbows on his knees, shoulders rigid. The tension radiating off him was so strong my heart squeezed.
He looked like he’d been carved from stone
