Chapter 50

• Scarlett
• The sunlight streaming through the curtains felt cruel, stabbing at my eyelids and dragging me from the fragile cocoon of sleep. My body ached in places I hadn’t realized could ache, a dull throb radiating from my legs to the base of my neck. Last night had been overwhelming—Finn’s touch still lingered on my skin, his words echoing faintly in my mind. Yet, instead of relief or peace, there was only exhaustion.
• Finn’s arm draped across my waist, his warmth anchoring me to the moment. He stirred beside me, his chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm. For a second, I allowed myself to relax, tracing lazy patterns on the sheets and letting my thoughts drift. Maybe I could linger here for just a little longer.