Elara’s POV
The sunlight found its way through the cracks in my cabin’s wooden walls, its warmth waking me from sleep. I blinked a few times, my mind slowly catching up to my body’s movements.
I swung my legs over the side of the bed to test my ankle cautiously. Relief coursed through me as I stood upright and took a slow step.
It was perfect.
The morning air greeted me as I stepped outside the cabin, the scents of pine and dew filling my senses. I took a deep breath, savoring the tranquility, when suddenly—
“Whoa!” I gasped, stumbling backward as I collided with someone.
“Easy there,” Kael said, steadying me with a firm hand on my arm. His familiar smirk was in place, but there was something softer in his gaze.
“I’m so sorry!” I stammered, taking a step back. “I didn’t see you the
