Lelia’s POV
Sunlight streamed through the curtains in gentle, glowing rays—not harsh beams, but a welcome caress that spilled warmth across the room. I stirred under the familiar scent of lavender. Kevin must have darkened the room again before he left, drawing the curtains halfway, but the morning still found its way in.
For once, I didn’t wake with dread curled in my gut.
I stretched, slowly, carefully, relishing the quiet. The sheets smelled like the pack’s laundry soap—cedar and chamomile. A strange combination that somehow felt like safety. I sat up, blinking at the way the light filtered across the floorboards, and for a moment, I allowed myself to feel it.
Hope.
A soft knock broke the stillness.
“Lelia?” Marie’s voice drifted through the door, bright and teasing. “Come on, you
