Aldrik
I woke slowly, awareness filtering back in pieces.
Warmth beneath me, softness, and the scent of honey and vanilla so concentrated it felt like I was breathing it in with every exhale. My eyes opened to an unfamiliar ceiling. Small room, simple furnishings, evening light slanting through a narrow window.
Cassius's room.
I turned my head and saw the pillow beside mine, still bearing the indent where someone's head had rested. Without thinking, I reached out and touched the fabric.
Still warm.
And the scent was even stronger there, honey and vanilla saturated into the pillow like someone had been sleeping with their face pressed against it for hours. He'd been here. Beside me.
I sat up slowly, my body protesting with the lingering heaviness that came from pushing magic beyond safe limits. But it was manageable, much better than it should have been. Cassius had healed me before I'd collapsed into sleep.
