'You smell so good.'
A soft whisper filled with utter love drifted into Aliana's ears as she slowly coaxed herself out of sleep.
Her eyes fluttered open, revealing her light grey gaze to the dim room.
The first thing she saw through the window was the serene lake resting beneath the dark sky, surrounded by mountains covered in a thick, white blanket of fallen snow.
She blinked through her sleepy haze, instantly feeling a harsh dryness in her throat.
Slowly, she stretched her limbs, only to wince as an intense ache bloomed through her body. She felt as though a truck had run over her, and only one person came to mind.
Gavriel.
Vivid memories of their intense intimacy played in her mind, making her heart flutter against her ribs.
Without looking, her hand reached out across the mattress to touch his side of the bed, only to find the sheets empty and cold.
Her brows furrowed.
Turning around, she confirmed he was gone.
