Currently, I am fixated on a woman who is fast asleep by my side. She even refuses to let go of the grip she has on the edge of the jacket I'm wearing, as if afraid I might leave her.

Is the fear so strong that she's willing to be close to a man who made her uncomfortable just a little while ago? The same goes for what I'm feeling. Despite Aurel's prior request to stay away, I won't do it. I'll watch over her, be near her without her knowledge, beyond my plan to find out about our connection.

I reach out, pulling her small waist closer. Outside, the...