Kaia woke with a start, her eyes fluttering open to a scene she hadn’t expected. The familiar, comforting scent of Markus surrounded her, and it took her a moment to realize she was being carried. His strong arms held her securely, cradling her against his chest as they moved through the dimly lit corridors of the castle.
“Shh, rest, my love,” Markus whispered, his voice a gentle rumble in her ear. “I’ve got you. You fell asleep in my office.”
Kaia blinked her tired eyes, her mind still foggy from sleep. She hadn’t even realized she’d dozed off, exhaustion finally catching up with her after the intense day they’d had. The weight of everything: the funeral, her vision, the plans, the looming threat, had taken its toll. But now, in Markus’ arms, she felt a strange mixture of comfort and em
