Elena’s POV

The faint scent of tea pulled me back from the blur of thoughts still circling in my mind. My head felt heavy, as if sleep had never fully reached me. When I opened my eyes, the light from the stove cast a soft glow across the kitchen. A cup of tea sat on the counter, steam rising in calm ribbons.

Damien stood beside the stove. His shirt sleeves were still rolled to his elbows, his posture straight but at ease. One hand rested in his pocket while the other held a pair of ...