SOPHIA’S POV
When I woke up, the harsh lights above made me wince. My throat was dry, my lips cracked, and a sharp ringing throbbed at the back of my skull.
Beeping.
Steady.
Relentless.
I tried to lift my head but the weight of the sheets pinned me down.
Panic twisted in my chest.
“Sophia…” A low, trembling voice called from the side.
I turned slowly and saw him.
Jace.
His eyes were rimmed with red, his hands clenching the edge of the bed as though holding himself together.
Relief and fear collided in my chest.
“I… I’m here,” he whispered, voice cracking. “You’re okay… you’re awake.”
I swallowed, my throat dry and scratchy. “…Jace?”
He leaned closer, brushing a stray strand of hair from my face, and I felt the smallest flicker of safety for the first time in what felt l
