Warmth wakes me before the light does.
It’s the weight of blankets, the steady heat pressed along both sides of me, the faint movement of someone’s thumb brushing the back of my hand.
I open my eyes slowly.
They’re all already awake.
Max is closest, lying on his side facing me, arm resting loosely over my waist. Alex is sitting up against the headboard, watching without staring. Cassian leans back in the chair he must’ve dragged over during the night. Enzo and Francesco hover near the foot of the bed, quieter than usual.
No one rushes me.
Max speaks first, voice low. “Morning.”
My voice is still thick with sleep. “Morning…”
He studies my face for a moment before asking gently, “You sleep okay?”
I nod against the pillow. “Yeah… I did.”
Cassian shifts slightly. “Well?”
I glance b
