Ella woke up to a bright sunny morning. She looked at the round clock that hung on the wall across the room and groaned. She had overslept, but it was worth it, this was the most peaceful night she’d had in a long time. Ever since the day she was humiliated, rejected, and scorned, Ella hadn’t experienced such restful sleep until last night. It felt like the long embrace she shared in the garden with Valen had soothed something deep inside her she hadn’t even realized was aching.

She ...