Aurora's POV
I woke to the smell of lavender and morning dew. For a moment, I didn't remember where I was. Then it all came rushing back: Cassian's betrayal, the blood draining, Stefano's rescue.
Stefano.
I turned my head and found him sitting in a chair beside me, asleep but still holding my hand. His face was lined with exhaustion, his clothes torn and bloodstained.
He had come for me. Through enemy territory, against impossible odds, he'd come.
The mate bond hummed between us, stronger than before. I could feel his presence like warmth in my chest, comforting and right.
"You are staring."
My eyes snapped to his face. He was awake, watching me with those intense blue eyes.
"Sorry," I whispered. "I just…thank you. For finding me."
"I told you I would." His hand wrapped in mine. "I never stopped looking."
"Even though you thought I was dead?"
"Especially because of that." He leaned forward.
