CH.47

Serena stirred awake, her eyes fluttering open as she slowly emerged from the depths of a dreamless slumber.

For a moment, she felt completely disoriented, her mind struggling to catch up with her unfamiliar surroundings.

The room she found herself in exuded a sense of grandeur and masculinity that left her feeling slightly out of place yet filled with warmth.

The walls were adorned with rich, dark colors that seemed to absorb the soft light filtering in through the heavy curtains framing the large windows. The room had a chilly, almost somber feel to it, like a mausoleum of sorts, and Serena shivered slightly.

The bed she lay in was massive, a four-poster monstrosity with intricately carved posts that loomed over her like sentinels. The sheets and duvet were a luxurious blend of silk and satin that caressed her skin like a lover's touch, but instead of feeling comforted, Serena felt a sense of unease creep up her spine.

She pushed away the cozy duvet and realized with a start