Irina’s POV
The first thing I was aware of was the pain. A dull, throbbing ache radiated from every part of my body. The second was the scent.
It enveloped me, a rich, intoxicating aroma of pine needles, damp earth, and clean, cold air—like the heart of the forest right after a storm. It was alluring and unsettling at the same time, making my skin prickle with a strange, tingling awareness. It was everywhere, on the sheets, in the air, seeping into my very pores.
My eyes fluttered open. I was lying in a massive, impossibly soft bed. The room was dark, lit only by the faint glow of embers in a large fireplace across from me. The furnishings were heavy, masculine, and exquisitely crafted from dark wood—a stark, powerful elegance that spoke of immense wealth and uncompromising taste.
This
