Aria’s POV….

Morning arrived softly, as if the world itself was afraid to wake me too suddenly.

I opened my eyes to warmth—real warmth this time. Fire crackled low in the hearth, filling the room with the scent of pine and cinnamon. Pale winter light filtered through the curtains, turning everything gold. For a moment, I simply lay there, breathing, letting the miracle of being alive settle into my bones.

Then the bond stirred.

Not sharp. Not panicked.

Joyful.

My heart ...