The first sunbeams filtered through the cabin walls, casting slivers of light through the dust. I stirred, allowing my exhausted body to ache while my heart ached even more. The storm of emotions last night still lingers, leaving me raw and restless. I blinked against the morning light, praying for just one last moment that it was all just a bad dream. Reality settled hard against me.
Avalor had long since waked, sitting by the fire and staring into the glowing embers as if seeking answers that refused to come. His golden eyes flicked toward me at the moment I shifted, a silent plea swimming within them. Yet I could not raise my gaze to his-not just yet. Betrayal was still too new, too jagged.
George, of course, was lounging comfortably on an old armchair in the corner, arms crossed over his chest, watching us with a grin that made my skin crawl. "Well, well. Good morning, lovebirds," he drawled. "How's the happy couple holding up?"
