Maya's vision was dark.
She floated somewhere just beyond reach of her own body, her thoughts sluggish, like trying to move through thick water. Time felt distant. Her senses, dulled. No sound, no sight—only fragments.
A breath.
A heartbeat.
A warmth.
Then—
A jolt.
Her mind snapped back like a rubber band stretched too far.
She inhaled sharply, her eyes fluttering open. The room came back into focus in pieces—the soft golden glow of the dorm lights, the tea set still resting on the table, and the firm, steady warmth that surrounded her.
And then she realized—
She was in his arms.
Astron.
His arms were wrapped around her, one hand lightly pressed between her shoulder blades, the other steady at her waist. His touch wasn't forceful or invasive. Just steady. Grounding.
Maya froze.
Her body stiffened instantly, breath catching in her throat as her senses caught up to the moment.
What—
Her face burned. Heat flushed into her cheeks so fast it made her dizzy.
