Ayla's POV
I woke to the scent of pine smoke and Kael.
Warmth pressed against my side—his body, his heat—and the soft crackle of fire echoed against the stone walls. I blinked slowly, the cave ceiling blurring into focus. For a heartbeat, I thought I was still in the shadow realm, falling through endless darkness. Then the bond pulsed, warm and steady in my chest, and I felt him.
Kael.
My hand twitched against his chest, fingers brushing rough leather and skin. He was awake instantly, golden eyes sharp, worry etched into the hard lines of his face.
"You're back," he said, voice rough like gravel. His hand cupped my jaw with almost reverent care. "You've been out for hours."
"Feels like… days," I murmured, my throat raw. The taste of copper and frost still lingered on my tongue.
