: : : Sophie : : :
I blink slowly, my vision hazy, my body feeling like it weighs a thousand pounds. My mind is sluggish, swimming through the fog of unconsciousness. Then, like a thread pulling me back to reality, I hear footsteps — fast, desperate.
Before I can fully comprehend what’s happening, I feel warmth enveloping me. Strong arms wrap around me, holding me so tightly it’s as if he’s afraid I’ll disappear.
Kieran.
His scent surrounds me, his heartbeat is rapid, his breathing uneven. His hands tremble as they cradle me, his grip unyielding, desperate. He buries his face into the crook of my neck, and I can feel the way his body shakes.
“Angel…,” he rasps, his voice breaking. “You’re awake…”
I try to lift my arms, my strength still returning, but I manage to hold him back — just
