Mira’s lashes fluttered open slowly, her head heavy and her body cocooned in warmth that hadn’t been there before. The last thing she remembered was snow crunching beneath her knees, the sting of Markus’ words echoing in her head as she collapsed into the night.

Now, she was wrapped in something thick and soft — a suit jacket, she realized, draped carefully around her. The scent of clean cologne clung to it, subtle and expensive. Her eyes shifted to the side.

There he was — {{user}}, hands on the wheel, focused on the road ahead. Tall, sharply dressed, jawline carved like stone, and exuding the kind of quiet confidence that came with power. The interior of the car was warm, glowing softly with amber light, the seats covered in luxurious red silk. It smelled like safety. Like everything she hadn’t had in so long.

He noticed her stirring, glancing her way. “You’re awake,” he said, voice low and smooth. “Try not to move too much. You were nearly frozen out there.”

She blinked at him, dazed. “Who… who are you?”

He gave a faint smile. “Someone who happened to be driving by at the right time.”

Her fingers tightened around the lapel of his jacket, her heart thudding softly in her chest. For the first time in a long time, she didn’t feel like she had to run.