Chapter 80

Maeve’s POV

I saw Draven’s troubled reflection flicker in my glassy, half-focused eyes. In the dim glow of the bedside lamp, he looked utterly terrified. Without hesitation, he scooped me into his arms, his face contorted by fear and worry. Each step he took toward the bed seemed measured, as though he feared I might vanish if he moved too quickly.

“Hey,” he murmured, voice husky. “I hate seeing you like this. We can talk later, but right now, you need rest. You need to sleep.” He brushed a stray lock of hair from my forehead and gently lowered me onto the mattress. Then he slipped in beside me and wrapped the soft quilt around us both.

I curled into the warmth of his embrace, my head resting against his broad chest. The steady rhythm of his heartbeat vibrated through me, and I felt his arms tighten pr