The pale morning light filtered through the heavy silk drapes of the master bedroom, casting long, amber-colored bars across the rumpled sheets.
Severine blinked against the brightness, her consciousness slowly assembling itself from the hazy, drug-like aftereffects of the night before.
Her body felt heavy, thoroughly drained, and sunken deep into the mattress.
A humming warmth had replaced the sheer exhaustion that weighed down her chest.
She rolled over, her gaze automatically drifting toward the far wall.
"Huh?"
She rubbed her eyes, but the result didn't change.
The wall was completely blank. The heavy, gold-rimmed frame was gone.
"Good morning, baby," Killian said in a bright voice, the moment he stepped inside the room.
He was carrying a heavy silver tray laden with freshly made pancake, dribbled with golden honey.
He looked too satisfied with himself.
"Where is it?" Severine asked, her voice coming out a little raspy and rough.
