Lila’s eyes fluttered open as the first rays of Nova Aurora’s twin suns painted her guest suite in warm amber and rose gold. The ethereal light streaming through the glass windows felt like a gentle caress against her skin, so different from the Santa Monica sun. For a moment, she lay still, letting the planet’s mysterious calm wash over her as memories of last night crashed back with devastating clarity.
Draven’s intense brown eyes. The electric pull between them.
Heat flooded her cheeks as she remembered how desperately she’d wanted to close the distance between them, to feel his hands on her face and his lips on hers. The professional boundary she’d sworn to maintain had felt gossamer-thin in that charged moment.
“Get it together,” she muttered, throwing off the silky covers. “You’re not here to sleep with the dragon king. You’re here to help his mental state, not complicate it further.”
But even as she said the words, her body betrayed her with a delicious shiver at the memory of his deep voice saying he’d been thinking about her.
She padded across the stone floor toward her suitcase, then stopped short at the enormous wardrobe dominating one wall. The dark wood doors stood slightly ajar, revealing a flash of emerald fabric within.
That’s odd.She distinctly remembered the wardrobe being empty yesterday afternoon.
Curiosity overrode caution as she pulled the doors wide, gasping at what she found inside. Dozens of dresses hung in perfect rows—flowing fabrics in jewel tones, elegant cuts that would flatter her curves, and every single piece appeared to be exactly her size.
“How did they—” She touched a stunning sapphire blue dress, the fabric soft beneath her fingers. “Did Draven do this? Or Nyra?”
Either way, the gesture sent warmth spreading through her chest. Someone had taken the time to ensure she felt welcomed and cared for.
When had anyone done something so thoughtful for her? Certainly not Trevor.
Her ex had been too busy charming his way into other women’s beds to notice if she wore the same outfit three days in a row.
Her fingers traced along the hanging garments until they found a dress that made her breath catch—deep forest green silk that would complement her eyes perfectly, with a flowing skirt and fitted bodice that would hug her curves without being inappropriate for a therapy session.
Why are you trying to look extra beautiful for him?her rational mind demanded as she lifted the dress from its hanger.It’s a typical therapy session, not a date.
But as she slipped the silk over her head, feeling the luxurious fabric settle against her skin like a second layer of confidence, she couldn’t bring herself to care about thedistinction. The dress transformed her—the rich green made her eyes luminous, the cut emphasized her hourglass figure, and somehow she looked more vibrant than she had in months.
She moved to the ornate mirror and began applying her makeup with more care than usual, enhancing her natural features with subtle touches of color. Mascara to darken her lashes, a hint of blush to warm her cheeks, and lip gloss that caught the alien sunlight.
The woman staring back at her was barely recognizable. Gone was the tired, burnt-out therapist who’d dragged herself through her Santa Monica routine. In her place stood someone radiant, almost... regal.
Weird how one day in this beautiful place has changed me mentally and physically.
The thought struck her with surprising force. She felt more confident, more centered, more beautiful than she had in years.
This place definitely has some strange healing powers.
The realization sparked both hope and determination in her. If Nova Aurora could work such transformation on her in mere hours, surely she could channel that healing energy to help Draven overcome his condition. She wanted to see him get better, to watch him become the best king and man he could be.
I hope that for all my clients,she reminded herself, but the words felt hollow.
Because the truth was, she’d never felt this invested in a patient’s recovery before. Never felt this personal stake in someone else’s happiness and success.
And she definitely shouldn’t be picturing herself in the equation as more than his therapist—but she couldn’t help it. Draven made her feel alive, electric in ways no other man ever had. Especially not Trevor, who’d made her feel small and disposable by the end.
A knock at her door interrupted her racing thoughts. She gathered her professional composure like armor and opened it to find Nyra waiting in the corridor, dressed in practical leather pants and a flowing burgundy tunic.
“Good morning, Dr. Reyes. I hope you slept well.” Nyra’s eyes swept over Lila’s appearance with obvious approval. “That dress is perfect on you. Green definitely suits you.”
“Thank you. And thank you for arranging the wardrobe—or was that Draven’s doing?”
A mysterious smile played on Nyra’s lips. “Let’s just say someone wanted to ensure you felt comfortable during your stay.”
Heat bloomed in Lila’s cheeks at the implication.Draven ordered clothes for her personally.The gesture felt intimate, thoughtful, and completely inappropriate for a doctor-patient relationship.
“I was planning to show you the castle layout, amenities, and practical routines after your session with the king,” Nyra continued, apparently oblivious to Lila’s internal crisis. “Would that work for you?”
