I come awake slowly, the world filtering back in pieces. The musty scent of damp earth and stone. The distant drip of water echoing off cavernous walls. The chill of the air against my skin, a stark contrast to the memory of Nickolas's warmth.

Nickolas.

I sit bolt upright, my heart pounding as my eyes fly open and dart around the unfamiliar space. I'm in a cave; that much is clear. But how did I get here? And where is Nickolas?

Ignoring the protest of my healing body, I stagger to my ...