Chloe stirred, the weight of sleep sliding off her like a heavy cloak. For a moment, she didn't know where she was. The sheets were soft beneath her, the faint smell of lavender clung to her skin, and the low hum of the city buzzed in the distance. Morning light spilled through the curtains in pale, ribbon-like strands.

Then the movement.

"Chloe!"

Her eyes blinked open fully just as Zoe rushed forward, nearly collapsing onto the bed in her eagerness. Warm arms wrapped tightly around her, and ...