ARYA

I awoke slowly, my temples throbbing. My limbs ached and every muscle in my body felt sore. But the blankets around me were warm, soft, and smelled faintly of lavender and Daxton. With my eyes still closed, a smile tugged at my lips.

I blinked up at the soft golden light spilling through the curtains, my lashes still damp. I frowned when I perceived the smell of chamomile tea.

"There she is," said a voice I hadn't heard in what felt like years. It was gentle and laced with ...