Cassidy
I don't remember the moment my body hit the ground—just the sound of Kieran's heartbeat against my ear, the strength of his arms around me, and the final flicker of my thoughts as darkness swallowed me whole.
When I opened my eyes again, it wasn't daylight.
It was soft, dim light—filtered sunlight peeking through gauzy curtains. My body ached in ways I didn't know were possible. My ribs screamed with every breath. My shoulder burned, my neck throbbed, and my fingers twitched like they were remembering something my brain hadn't caught up with yet.
I blinked again, taking in my surroundings.
The infirmary.
Clean linen sheets, warm blankets, and the quiet hum of something distant—machinery maybe. The scent of antiseptic and lavender hung in the air.
I turned my head slowly.
Mara was curled in a chair beside my bed, fast asleep. Her head rested awkwardly on her folded arms. Damon sat slouched near the window, his jacket balled up behind his neck, chin tucked to his chest.
