Estelle's POV
At seven in the morning, the first rays of light seeped through the floor-to-ceiling windows—warm, almost blindingly pure, as if they could wash away every trace of darkness.
I opened my eyes. The moment consciousness returned, my wolf stirred first, shifting beneath my thoughts before snapping fully alert.
I turned my head—
"Estelle, you're awake!"
The voice was all too familiar—and far too jarring. I came fully awake in an instant, my gaze locking onto the figure rushing toward me: Cassius.
Great. The world hasn't ended. It really should consider it.
He crossed to the bedside in a few quick steps and leaned over me, pressing his hand directly to my forehead. The gesture was natural—almost carelessly intimate, as if it had always belonged.
I tried to pull away, but m
