ELENA’S POV
The next morning, I woke to the soft golden light filtering through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the room. For a brief, blissful moment, I forgot where I was. The bed was too soft, the sheets too luxurious, carrying the faint scent of something achingly familiar.
Aiden.
Reality crashed over me like a tidal wave, cold and unrelenting. I was back in the Crimson Pack. My chest tightened, and I clenched my fists into the sheets, willing the ache in my heart to subside. It didn’t.
I sighed, pushing the blankets off me. There was no point in lying here, drowning in dread. I had to face this, even if every step felt like walking through quicksand.
After freshening up, I dressed in a simple beige sweater and jeans. The fabric was soft against my skin but offere
