77: Dramatic situations

Elaine’s POV

I wake up the next morning, the room bathed in a soft, early morning light filtering through sheer curtains. The bed feels vast and empty, and I’m all alone.

There's no sign of Killian, except for his lingering scent that clings to my skin and the sheets, a tantalizing reminder of his presence. I stretch, feeling the slight ache in my muscles, and sit up, taking in my surroundings.

The room is elegantly furnished, with dark wooden furniture that exudes an air of sophistication. A large, ornate mirror hangs on the wall opposite the bed, reflecting the soft glow from a crystal chandelier overhead.

The bed itself is a four-poster, draped in luxurious, cream-colored linens and an assortment of plush pillows. A small sitting area with a tufted loveseat and a coffee table sits near a window, which offers a glimpse of the sprawling gardens outside.

My clothes from last night are scattered on the floor, a reminder of the wildness of the previous evening. I pull the covers arou