6. Mira
MIRA
W hen I woke, the fire was low but still alive, glowing embers lighting the cave in dull red. My body was warm—too warm. A weight rested on my shoulders, soft and heavy.
I blinked down.
A blanket. Not mine. His.
The scent of him rose up immediately, earthy and sharp, like the wild places beyond the keep. My chest tightened. He wasn’t anywhere near me, though; his shadow was gone from the fire.
I sat up slowly, the blanket clutched tight, as if holding on to it would tell me something I couldn’t admit. Surprise coursed through me. He had covered me while I slept, without words, without noise.
Just a quiet gesture I didn’t understand.
The warmth of the furs seeped into my skin, and I was shocked at how safe I felt in that moment.
I’d never felt so safe in all my life.