In the morning, Stefan gently caressed Amber's scars, his fingers tracing the faint lines left by Katrina's brutal whipping. His jaw tightened as he thought about the pain his wife must have endured. His heart ached, a mix of anger and sorrow. He would make sure Katrina paid for what she had done.

"Good morning, beautiful," Stefan whispered as he noticed Amber slowly flickering her eyelids open.

Amber smiled, her cheeks flushing pink at the memory of their passionate night together. They had both been insatiable, rediscovering each other most intimately. "Good morning," she replied softly, her voice contented.

Stefan's eyes softened as he looked at her. "How are you...