Aliona’s POV
The first thing I became aware of was warmth. A steady warmth that pressed close to me, wrapping me in safety even though I knew deep inside, I wasn’t safe at all.
My lashes fluttered, and through the haze of pain, I saw him.
Julian.
He sat right beside me, his tall frame bent forward in the chair, his face illuminated by the soft glow of the bedside lamp. His expression wasn’t the stoic Alpha mask everyone else saw. No—this was Julian stripped bare. His eyes were dark with worry, his features softened with a tenderness I had never quite seen from him.
The moment my gaze lifted to his, his entire body jolted.
“You’re awake,” he breathed, relief washing over his face. His hand shot out, clasping mine as though it was the only thing tethering him to the earth. “Aliona… phe
