As Clarissa slowly opened her eyes, she was met with the warm, golden light of the setting sun streaming through the window. She glanced over at the window, taking in the sight of the darkening sky and the trees swaying gently in the breeze.

She yawned, feeling the stiffness in her muscles from the ordeal she had endured. She stretched herself, arching her back and extending her arms above her head.

As she tried to stand up, a low, masculine voice spoke from beside her, sending shivers down her spine. "You look so beautiful when you sleep," the voice said, the words dripping with sincerity.

Clarissa's heart skipped a beat...