Winter Schemes    

[EVE]

I woke up with a jolt, drenched in cold sweat as remnants of my nightmare clung to my mind. My heart pounded, but I took a deep breath, trying to ground myself.

Phew . . .

It was just a dream.

A horrible, absurd nightmare where Cole was my personal bodyguard.

The thought alone sent a shiver down my spine. That would be the worst nightmare ever.

I sighed with relief, wiping my forehead.

Feeling groggy, I glanced around my room, noticing the soft winter light filtering through the curtains. The cold air of the season made any bit of warmth feel like a blessing, so I reached out, pulling back the curtains to let in more sunlight.

The breeze that followed was crisp but refreshing, and I stood by the window, basking in the morning light as it kissed my skin.

That was when I froze—completely flabbergasted.