Sophia’s P.O.V

I stirred slowly, feeling the soft rhythm of his heartbeat against my cheek, the familiar rise and fall of his chest grounding me in that fleeting moment. For once, I wasn’t jolting awake with panic or gasping from nightmares that clawed at my throat—I was warm, safe, and wrapped in the cocoon of Nathan’s arms.

His scent lingered around me, earthy and calming, like cedarwood and home. I didn’t open my eyes immediately; instead, I nestled closer, as if ...