The space beside me was a cold, empty expanse.
I remembered the heavy dip in the mattress at dawn, the feeling of Elara's long arms lifting me from the sofa and carrying me to the bed like a fragile prize. She had indulged my half-asleep whim, staying until my breath evened out, but now, the only thing left of her was a lingering chill.
I ran my hand over the silk sheets, searching for a trace of warmth. The fabric felt cooler than usual under my palms. I pressed my face into the pillow, inhaling, hoping for even a whisper of her winter scent.
Tasteless air met my lungs.
It would have been so nice if she were here right now. Just for a moment.
The memory of the damp fog from my nightmare still clung to the small of my back like a second skin. To shake off the lingering dread, I swung my legs off the bed. My limbs felt leaden, my movements sluggish as I staggered toward the bathroom.
