Leon's POV
A low groan came from my chest, sounding more like a wounded animal than a man. My body felt completely wrong—heavy, stiff, and disconnected, as if I had been buried under a pile of wet dirt all night. I forced my eyes open, squinting against a morning light that felt much too bright, stabbing at my eyes with a painful glare. My room was never this bright; I usually kept the heavy curtains closed tight against the world.
My thoughts were slow and foggy, drifting through a thick haze until I noticed something that made my heart pound against my ribs.
Hair.
Chocolate-brown hair was spread across the white pillow beside me. For one dangerous second, hope flared… Scarlett. But as soon as the smell hit me, the dream shattered. It wasn't the fresh, earthy smell of rain, vanilla, and woods that belonged to my mate. It was thick, sweet, and choking.
Lilies.
