THE COUNCIL COMES & LAST STAND
Kiera's POV
I opened my eyes to warmth on either side. Rylan held my hand. Kai leaned into my other side. Both alive. Both here. Both real.
My mind felt different. Clearer. As if fog had been brushed away. But fragile too. Like glass glued back together. I’d collapse again with one wrong step.
"Kiera?" Rylan's voice was soft. Careful. "Can you hear me?"
"Yes." The word came out rough. My throat was dry. "How long?"
"Two days. "I found you passed out on the road, So- So after saving Kai." He squeezed my hand. "We thought we lost you."
I turned my head. Looked at him properly. He looked terrible. Bandaged. Pale. But his eyes were clear. Alert. Alive. "You're okay."
"Barely. But yes. I'm okay."
Kai stirred. Opened his eyes. Saw me awake. His face lit up
