Thirty Four

Natalia

Gentle sunlight across my face stirred me to wakefulness. For a blissful moment I basked in the soft linens and soothing quiet, a rare luxury.

Then memory crashed down - the desperate flight into the wilds, the humiliating recapture by none other than Damian himself. This gentle nest was a dragon's lair, my fear a phantomhed amidst delirium.

I jolted upright, ignoring the flare of pain along my ribs and feet. But the spacious chamber was empty save for myself. Damian was gone as if a figment, the hearth's embers burnt low. Had it all been some vivid dream?

Hissing at the raw ache of my injuries, I eased cautiously off the divan where I had apparently spent the night. Thick fur rugs muffled my limping steps as I explored warily, peering behind opulent draperies for any hidden threat. But found none.

The sitting room stood vacant, decorated in elegant masculine style. Heavy oak furnishings conveyed quiet authority, much like their owner occupied my conflicted thoughts. What game