Max woke to the soft crackle of a dying lantern flame and the faint scent of lavender soap. His head throbbed like someone was striking a drum inside his skull, and for a moment, he couldn’t tell where he was or what time it was. The ceiling above him was wooden, low, and uneven, which was definitely not his room. The sheets under him were warm, soft, and smelled like something sweet, like someone’s perfume.He blinked, wincing as the room tilted, and only then did he notice a figure sitting beside the bed.Skye was perched on a small stool, her elbows resting on her knees, her hair falling over her shoulder in a loose brown wave. The dim light played across her face, softening her sharp cheekbones and highlighting the faint worry in her eyes.“You’re awake,” she said, her voice quiet but firm.Max jerked upright instantly, too fast. Pain shot through his ribs, and the world spun. Skye reached out quickly and pressed her hand against his chest.“Easy,” she murmured. “You took a beat
Last Updated : 2025-12-09 Read more