Serena's POV

The dawn's first light filtered through the gaps in the wooden shutters, casting a soft glow in the room. As I was laying in bed, staring at the ceiling, my mind was awash with thoughts of Baird. Sleep had been elusive, my dreams filled with his face, his voice, his touch. The night had done little to diminish the whirlwind of emotions swirling within me.

I finally rose, pulling a shawl around my shoulders to ward off the morning chill. The small, ...