Maria.
Morning came far too quickly.
I stretched instinctively, my body reacting before my mind fully caught up. Muscles pulled, joints protested, and a soft groan slipped past my lips. It was only when I inhaled deeply that everything came crashing back. The scent, strong, unmistakable, Alpha, filled my lungs, sharp and suffocating.
Davian.
My eyes flew open.
Panic surged through me as I turned sharply to the side, my heart slamming violently against my ribs. For one terrifying second, I expected to see him there, watching me, waiting, ready to whip or drag me.
But the space beside me was empty.
Relief hit me so hard my vision blurred. The bed was rumpled, sheets creased with the memory of his presence, but he was gone. No body heat. No weight. No shadow looming over me.
This was it.
A chance.
I didn't waste a second.
